Local Studies Collection Management

A helpful and informative guide for librarians responsible for local studies collections covering the key issues in the twenty-first century. Each chapter is written by a different specialist, covering: resource providers; management of service provision; management of the collection and its materials (from books and pamphlets to microforms, CD-ROMs and websites); information access and retrieval; marketing; dealing with enquiries. Introductory and concluding chapters consider the local collection within its library context, the wider cultural, social, political and economic setting, the international local studies perspective and the future for this specialism in the UK. The guide is aimed principally at public librarians but will be of interest to academic, school and special librarians, library school students, archivists, those working with local history and related societies, and those in charge of private collections.

Local studies librarianship has changed dramatically since the publication of the first edition of these guidelines in 1990. The guidelines are the product of a working group set up by the Library Association Local Studies Group, and are intended to provide advice on best practice to all local studies libraries staff. This comprehensively revised second edition is in two main sections: the Local Studies Service, covering user needs, relationships with other professional bodies and promotion of the service to potential users; and resources, giving guidance on collection policy and management, staffing recommendations and facilities management. The guidelines constitute a policy statement on provision of a complete and comprehensive service to local studies users in public libraries. They form a starting point for authorities setting services and a resource from which to benchmark existing services.

The Digital Age and Local Studies examines the impact of various electronic developments, particularly the internet on local studies librarianship. The recent explosion in use of the internet has been matched by an increased interest in local, family and community history, all areas in which local studies libraries excel. The book provides practitioners with practical advice on the provision of web-based services for users. Such areas as e-genealogy and e-learning are covered. Importantly, the book provides examples of best-practice and shows how practical lessons can be learned from the experiences of the innovators in the field. Nothing comparable in print and has contemporary relevance Increased recognition of the importance of local studies Covers the electronic revolution which has not been addressed in this field

First published in 1992, this volume recognises that it is not unusual, when practising librarianship, to come across small to medium collections within the library, which, because they are different from the main collection, are outside the librarian’s experience or are a new type of material not properly managed or exploited. Therefore this volume contains chapters on a range of materials which are united by a certain rarity in the experience of most librarians. It is aimed at those who need to know how to progress from scratch with a collection, but not necessarily to take it into complete specialization. There is information about characteristics of each type of material as well as guidance for their management. Lists of further reading are provided and a note of some important collections.

This important reference volume covers developments in aspects of British library and information work during the five year period 2001-2005. Over forty contributors, all of whom are experts in their subject, provide an overview of their field along with extensive further references which act as a starting point for further research. The book provides a comprehensive record of library and information management during the past five years and will be essential reading for all scholars, library professionals and students.

This is the latest in an important series of reviews going back to 1928. The book contains 26 chapters, written by experts in their field, and reviews developments in the principal aspects of British librarianship and information work in the years 2006-2010.

In this sweeping revision of a text that has become an authoritative standard, expert instructor and librarian Peggy Johnson addresses the art of controlling and updating library collections, whether located locally or accessed remotely.