Our Astronomy Library is not just an ordinary department library but, as noted in recent reviews, is one of two in the country at the highest international research standard, with a modern collection rooted in the historical one reaching back to before the David Dunlap Observatory. The high standards are maintained by our professional librarian, who participates in important international projects which enrich the astronomy community and who has won several awards, both local and international. We feel that the services of two full-time Astronomy Library staff are essential, and back this up in the tight SC budget climate with salary support for the library assistant from our endowment funds. Convenient access to our excellent Astronomy Library collections and services and the close relationship between library staff and the faculty and students both enhance the learning experiences and research achievements of DA and CITA.
Because of severe space constraints, we have recently needed to move important parts of the library to an upper-floor archive where it is less readily accessible (including no elevator). DA is excited about the possibilities, including amalgamation of libraries, that would arise from a new Physical Sciences Complex (§ 3.2). It is imperative, however, that such a plan be implemented in such a way that no deterioration of the international stature of the Astronomy collections occurs and that the high quality library services - now available 24 hours a day to DA and CITA - continue.