THE QUEST FOR SPACE. The DeKalb Public Library encounters more space stress than does the Cold Spring Shops library. A new problem confronting librarians recalls troubles early scholars and librarians faced.

Compounding this is the demand by patrons for more computers, an issue libraries didn’t face years ago. Nine computers are available, and four more are being donated.

To make room for the new ones, the reference room must be cleared out.

Because of the limited number of machines, Internet access is limited to one hour per day.At one time, the books were expensive relative to other goods, had to be shared by scholars, and were chained to reading desks. The computers allow access to a lot more information, but they still are expensive relative to other goods, have to be shared by library patrons, and they're chained to reading desks.

The current reference room may have to be cleared, but the reference materials have to go someplace ...