Central and Branch libraries: the Saint-Étienne Network

In 1993, municipal library services in Saint-Étienne were equipped with a new central library built on the site of Tarentaize. This building was integrated into a network of existing local branch libraries. The new central library was an immediate success; readers found a much greater and varied choice of materials. Loans from the central library increased significantly, compensating for the decrease in use throughout the rest of the network but thereby creating an imbalance for the latter in favour of the centre. Tarentaize which has limited access is now suffering from an overcrowded infrastructure.
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