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.

Archival collections at public libraries present their own challenges distinct from other library materials, but they also offer the promise of unique connections between the library and its users, particularly when the archives relate to local history.

Speaking from their own experiences, while also sharing examples and ideas from other libraries around the country, the authors present a start-to-finish guidebook for creating a local history reference collection that your community will embrace and use regularly.

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.

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.

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.

This important reference volume covers developments in almost every aspect of British library and information work during the ten-year period 1991-2000. Some forty contributors, all of whom are experts in their subject, provide a robust overview of their specialities along with extensive further references which act as a starting point for further research. The book provides a comprehensive record of what took place in library and information management during a decade of considerable change and challenges. It is an essential reference resource for librarians and information professionals.