THE latest idea inspired by the changing face of York is to move the Central Library into purpose-built headquarters in redeveloped Hungate.

There are obvious benefits. When the library was built nearly 80 years ago, it was a huge improvement on the previous one in Clifford Street. Times have moved on again and a new facility is required to meet the needs of the information age.

Too many people consider the central library dusty and old fashioned, a perception barely changed by the recent installation of a coffee corner. It is shocking that in the era of "lifelong learning", seven out of ten York residents don't go inside.

Yet, at the same time, there is continual demand for the internet-enabled computers at the Museum Street building. An expansion of online services should be a principal ambition of any move.

But it's not just about computers. Like an educational iceberg, York Central Library's hidden depths house a vast collection of volumes and documents. A larger, better designed library would enable this collection to be reassessed and made more accessible.

This brings us to the remarkable omission in this story. No mention is made of the City Archives. Controversially, the city council wishes to offload this unparalleled resource to York University, although the details are shrouded in all-too-typical secrecy. If the political desire exists to create a state-of-the-art library at Hungate, then the archives should be brought under the same roof.

That might finally provide York with the historical repository its peerless past deserves.

Updated: 11:20 Monday, January 23, 2006