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 International Encyclopedia of Information and Library Science was published to widespread acclaim in 1996, and has become the major reference work in the field. This eagerly awaited new edition has been fully revised and updated to take full account of the many and radical changes which have taken place since the Encyclopedia was originally conceived. With nearly 600 entries, written by a global team of over 150 contributors, the subject matter ranges from mobile library services provided by camel and donkey transport to search engines, portals and the World Wide Web. The new edition retains the successful structure of the first with an alphabetical organization providing the basic framework of a coherent collection of connected entries. Conceptual entries explore and explicate all the major issues, theories and activities in information and library science, such as the economics of information and information management. A wholly new entry on information systems, and enhanced entries on the information professions and the information society, are key features of this new edition. Topical entries deal with more specific subjects, such as collections management and information services for ethnic minorities. New or completely revised entries include a group of entries on information law, and a collection of entries on the Internet and the World Wide Web.

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.

Planning a new or refurbished public library means considering not only facilities for collections, services, staff and users, but examining also the local context, reviewing the library image, and developing relationships with other community facilities and agencies. This book examines the entire gamut of challenges confronting the planning and development of contemporary public libraries; their mission, their roles, and key issues such as lifelong learning, social inclusion, community and cultural needs, regeneration and funding. The helpful presentation and readable style guides the librarian through the preliminary information-gathering and decision-making process that ensures a successful library building for all concerned. Using practical case studies, plans and photographs, the author tackles the critical issues of siting, size, plans and design concepts, and provides a helpful guide to weighing up the alternatives of refurbished, converted and new buildings. Separate chapters focus on the planning, briefing and construction process; security, safety and sustainability; key characteristics of successful buildings; identity, decor and signage; and interior layout and facilities. The text draws together a vast resource of real library examples from all over the world which provide best practice models and lessons to learn. For funding authorities, librarians and architects of public libraries this is a highly informative book that will help to ensure wise decision-making and prevent costly mistakes.

The Maritime Information Guide provides a list of UK libraries, record offices, archives, museums, institutions, associations and other bodies that have, or can make available, information on maritime matters. Titles are listed in alphabetical order by the name by which users are most likely to look up. This is the fourth volume, produced in 2004, following the previous editions in 1973, 1983, and 1993.

The digital age has transformed the structure and management of libraries around the world. With an increased focus on technology and its use in library management, library professionals seek the best practices and management systems to implement in specialized library settings. Special Library Administration, Standardization and Technological Integration presents the latest scholarly research on the existing and emerging trends in special library management including technological advancements, the importance of social media outlets, and the necessary professional practices to maintain efficiency and success within a library setting. This publication is an essential reference source for academicians, researchers, librarians, and advanced level students interested in the management of special libraries in the digital age.