There is an interesting piece in the current Update about Chemistry collections in the UK in the light of some recent high profile closures - of both chemistry departments and libraries. It is a practical discussion of some aspects of the growing interest in the 'collective collection'.

No doubt we could add to these questions. In essence there are three fundamental points. How do we as librarians responsibly dispose of print? Does it really matter if collections die as long as we know someone out there has an accessible copy in print or electronic form? Can we agree on what should be kept in print, by whom and where? [CILIP | What's happening to print? - Nigel Lees]

The author is Manager, Library and Archival Services, Royal Society of Chemistry.

Related entry about collective collections:

• Groningen thoughts