bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociology and Information Science
Authors: Watson L.E. , Gammage P. , Grayshon M.C. , Hockey S. , Jones R.K. , Oldman D.
Published: March 2008

The growth of the social sciences has necessitated the development of formal systems of information storage, retrieval and dissemination over and above any informal and personal contact between individuals. The contribution of information scientists, in their attempts to structure social science information, raises certain questions about the epistemology of the social sciences. The writers examine these and some of the major problems related to the communication of information in sociology. They postulate a model derived from recent thinking in the sociology of knowledge, i.e., that the construction and validation of knowledge is itself a social process. Some possible implications of this approach are investigated.
Review : Library Resource Centres: a developing literature
Authors: Beswick Norman
Published: March 2008

Nine recent books on school and college of education library resource centres are reviewed in the context of a developing British literature to compare with North American developments in the field.
Users of Libraries: a comparative study
Authors: Marsterson W.A.J.
Published: March 2008

Three studies of public library users are compared, and similarities noted in tbe nature of library users and their behaviour. Extended education and high socio-economic grading are seen to be connected with intensive use of a range of libraries and with book ownership. The need for control in the study of library users to ensure comparability of results is noted.
The Categorization of Adult Non-Fiction
Authors: Jones Arthur , Pratt Gordon
Published: March 2008

Output measures for libraries need to be improved. One possibility would be to incorporate in catalogue entries and charging codes a symbol indicating the nature, and hence the main potential use, of each adult non-fiction title. This article describes experiments conducted by the Public Library Research Group with the objective of defining such categories.
Comparative Librarianship as an Academic Subject
Authors: Simsova S.
Published: March 2008

The study of comparative librarianship helps librarians to step outsidc their own culturally based system of values and is therefore particularly important at the formative stages of professional education. It has been taught in Britain since 1966 and a variety of courses now exist in British library schools. A typology of them isgiven. An attempt is made to find a common denominator of existing definitions of comparative librarianship and to show how the concept of the library as an ecosystem can be applied to comparative investigation. A chronological list of publications on comparative librarianship is given in the appendix. This paper was rcad at the 39th Session of the International Federation of Library Associa tions at Grenoble in August 1973 at the invitation of the Committee on Library Theory and Research. To avoid duplicating what I have said elsewhere—particularly in the new edition of the Handbook of comparative librarianship due to be published next year—I have limited this paper mainly to theoretical consideration. In it I develop some of the themes contained in my recent essay in Studies in comparative librarianship ( Library Association, 1973). In the section on the teaching of comparative librarianship I draw on my experience at The Polytechnic of North London.
A Short History of The Library Association
Authors: Haslam D.D.
Published: March 2008

As it approaches its Centenary in 1977, the Association can look back on a history of eventual triumph over persistent penury and apathy during its first fifty years, and over the country's worst economic depression, the Second World War and its aftermath in the period since 1928. The story of its successes and failures leading to its present dominant role as the controlling body for the profession in the United Kingdom is told in outline. It is the second oldest national library association in the world and, like Britain's postage stamps, it carries no country of origin in its title.
The Recovery: Nigerian Library Developments I970-I973
Authors: Bowden Russell
Published: March 2008

An over-view of libraries in Nigeria with particular attention to the National Library and public libraries and a description of the effects of the Civil War and the division of the Regions into States on libraries and their development since the war's end in February 1970 to August 1973. The profession and the Nigerian Library Association are described and problems of future development, co-operation, standardization and centralized control are discussed.
Books in English: a comparative assessment
Authors: Ayres F.H.
Published: March 2008

Report of a survey carried out at the University of Bradford to compare the effectiveness of Books in English with conventional tools. The survey was carried out over a period of a year, and samples were taken from the weekly acquisitions intake of the University of Bradford. The sample was checked in three British and three American bibliographies as well as Books in English.

In addition to measuring the overall success rate, the number of checks which were carried out were compared with the success rate to give a checks per success rate ( C/S). The results showed that Books in English compared favourably with other checking tools, and that if it were to adopt a monthly cumulation policy it could achieve a very high success rate and a much better C/S rate.

An important and disturbing finding of the survey was the very high total failure rate: 9.8% of the sample were not found in any of the bibliographies.
International Recognition and the Geographical Literature on Nigeria
Authors: Aiyepeku Wilson O.
Published: March 2008

International recognition of literary output is measured by analysing the pattern of indexing and abstracting coverage for 1441 publications constituting the geographical literature on Nigeria from 1901 to 1970. Results show that indexing is generally keeping pace with the increasing volume of publications, although only 46·4% of the literature is indexed. Indexing coverage varies considerably according to form, publisher, and particularly according to place of publication. Geographical Abstracts and Current Geographical Publications emerge as the two services covering most of the literature continuously. The significance of the results to librarians and authors is suggested.
The European Communities and the Harmonization of Educational and Professional Qualifications
Authors: Schur Herbert
Published: March 2008

The Treaties of the European Communities make no explicit provision for the harmonization of qualifications, but there exist a number of provisions in the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community treaties which directly or indirectly lead to it. These provisions are identified, and Commission and Council activities based on them are reported. Finally, some questions are raised in relation to the direction of further activities by the Commission, the profession, and the academic community.
The Bibliographical Resources of European Documentation Centres
Authors: Hopkins Michael
Published: March 2008

The European Communities have established an international network of depository libraries. Those institutions granted the status of European Documentation Centre receive a broad range of Community documentation and publications free of charge and in the official language of their choice. At a time when libraries are increasingly being expected to provide both information and documentation on Community affairs, this paper seeks to improve general awareness of the resources of these rich research collections.
A Project to Trace Economists' Papers
Authors: Sturges R.P.
Published: March 2008

Projects to list primary source material for particular historical specializations have been set up recently in a number of fields. They supplement the work of the NRA. History of economic thought in Britain is largely a research subject and practitioners felt a need for a list of the papers of economists. A project for this purpose operated from September 1970 to August 1973 and information was collected from published sources and publicly available listings (including libraries' and record offices' own lists) as to the nature and whereabouts of papers of British and Irish economists 1700-1950- Considerable efforts were also made to locate new or lost material. Substantial lists of papers were compiled in many cases and the intention is that these will be published, whilst less substantial lists will be made publicly available by some other means. Research methods used are described and implications of this project discussed.
Evaluation of an Academic Libra's Stock Effectiveness
Authors: Schofield J.L. , Cooper A. , Waters D.H.
Published: March 2008

Stock failure rate is a useful indicator for any librarian interested in the continued per formance of his stock in meeting reader needs. It is possible, using this failure survey method, to obtain a precise statement of failure rate. The survey provides information on the proportion of failure due to "titles not owned", "titles not available", and "reader error". Failure slips provide useful additional information on the experiences of library users and on the adequacy of their searching procedures. The method covers a short period and is simple enough for use as a monitor on stock effectiveness. The effects of policy changes on the level of availability such as a variation in the length of the loan period can be examined. Precise failure rates can be produced fairly readily from the data collected by a few interviewers from a small, predetermined number of interviews in one week. It is also possible, using the suggested methodology, to obtain a ratio of internal : external use of books by subject.

This project was carried out between June 1974 and February 1975, when Mr. Waters was on secondment to the LMRU. The Unit is supported by grant aid from tht British Library Research and Development Department. The views expressed in this report are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the British Library Research and Development Department or the Unit's Steering Committee.
The Librarianship Board of the Council for National Academic Awards
Authors: Davinson Donald
Published: March 2008

Traces the growth of degree courses in librarianship and information science in non-university institutions of higher education in Great Britain since I966. A list of all courses approved between September 1968 and June 1975 is given and the personnel of the Librarianship Board together with all changes is recorded. The role of the Board as advisers to the Council for National Academic Awards on standards of library provision in colleges is discussed and the article ends with a survey of trends and prospects for the future.
Delinquent Readers: a study of the problem in university libraries
Authors: Souter G.H.
Published: March 2008

The article is concerned with the delinquent reader problem in British university libraries, taking the term "delinquent reader" to mean: a user of the library who overborrows to a high degree; or retains books after they have been recalled; or illegally borrows, steals or mutilates books.

It appears that reader delinquency is already serious in some university libraries, and that it is tending to increase. It affects all physical forms of library material, and all subject fields (but especially the social sciences).

Three parties are involved when reader delinquency occurs: the library, the delinquent reader, and the mass of other readers. In the library context, many factors—including security, availability of material, photocopying facilities, and sanctions—are interconnected. The librarian must know which of the variables to manipulate, which to maintain unchanged; and if he makes the wrong decisions, he will positively encourage reader delinquency.

There are indications that the mass of non-delinquent readers are guilty of encouraging delinquent behaviour, by failing to condemn retention after recall, overborrowing, illegal borrowing, and even, in some universities, stealing.

The typical initiator of delinquent behaviour is a habitually selfish person. His attitude is that the library is to be exploited in his personal interests, whatever the cost to others. He does not consider himself dishonest, or think that what he does is wrong.
Notes on Library Provision for Oriental and Asian Studies in Great Britain
Authors: Bloomfield B.C.
Published: March 2008

Surveys the present position in the United Kingdom with regard to the provision of library materials from Asia, points out some deficiencies, and the strengths of certain libraries. It suggests the need for co-ordinated library acquisitions in the future and a measure of forward planning by a central body.
Sixth Form College Libraries
Authors: Bennett M.
Published: March 2008

Based upon visits to six English sixth form colleges, this article presents the results of this limited research. It attempts to provide a picture of the present situation in such establish ments, their library problems and possible solutions. It compares and contrasts library provision so as to point out the areas of neglect, not only by Local Education Authorities, but also by the library profession itself. The article comprises of the reasons for the research, research methodology, findings of the research, and gives four general recommendations and conclusions.
Some Implications of the Trend in External Borrowing by University Libraries, I960/6I—I972/73
Authors: Roberts Norman , Bull Gillian
Published: March 2008

During the period 1960/61—1972/73 university libraries became increasingly dependent upon external sources for the satisfaction of local demands. The scale of this trend is examined and certain implications considered. While it is possible to describe the fall in self-sufficiency levels in quantitative terms, little appears to be known about the qualitative effects of such changes. For librarians, as for universities generally, qualitative considerations are all- important. This paper represents an attempt to focus attention on this neglected, though crucial, issue.
Library/Information Services in Local Authority Social Services Departments: Results of Two Surveys
Authors: Wilson T.D. , Dunn A.C.
Published: March 2008

This paper describes some of the results of two brief questionnaires sent to local authority social services departments in 1974. Given the shortcomings of the questionnaires and the fact that the data are not susceptible to tests of significance, the results reveal wide variation in the nature of information services provided within these departments, a low level of public library involvement in specific information problems of the social services, and a very "passive" service from those public service libraries which are involved. The data also reveal a relatively low level of awareness of the value of external agencies as possible providers of information.
Evaluation of the Academic Library: Space Allocation
Authors: Schofield J.L. , Waters D.H.
Published: March 2008

Although there is now a corpus of principles and techniques on planning a layout we consider it opportune in view of some recent reviews of space norms, to present a practical method which librarians can use to evaluate space in their libraries.

This is the second project1 by the Cambridge University Library Management Research Unit in the series on evaluating the various services and functions of the academic library. The overall aim of the series is to find ways of measuring the benefits from and the effective ness of the various library functions and services, with a view to the eventual production of practical data collection techniques to assist librarians in the evaluation of their libraries. Whilst complete cost accounting is not always practical and necessary when installing changes in an organization, a degree of costing is useful to illustrate the benefits which will accrue from adopting new methods and to illustrate that the expenditure of money will result in economies and/or enhanced utilization. We feel that the relative allocation of space provides a more meaningful basis for comparison between libraries than building costs.
Danish Academic Libraries
Authors: Davies Roy
Published: March 2008

Denmark is a country with an advanced research library system differing in many respects from the British one. The inter-relationships of the university and national libraries and their place in the educational system are described and recent developments in classification and cataloguing, library instruction, documentation and automation are surveyed. Possible lessons for British librarians are also considered.

This article is based upon a report on a study tour submitted to the Welsh Library Association which awarded the author its Travelling Bursary for 1975. The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Mr. Palle Birkelund, the National Librarian of Denmark, who read the original manuscript and made many helpful suggestions.
An Appraisal of the Report of the University Grants Committee Working Party on Capital Provision for University Libraries (The Atkinson Report)
Authors: Loveday Anthony J.
Published: March 2008

Constraint on capital funds available to the UGC for library buildings which has led to the adoption of a policy of "self renewal" based upon withdrawal of little-used stock is described. This departure from the traditional acquisition policies in university libraries is examined and the possible consequences discussed. The policy is challenged on the grounds that it is based upon false economies and inadequate research.
Reading: the other side of the equation
Authors: McClellan A.W.
Published: March 2008

This paper stresses the need for librarians to devote attention to reading as an ongoing activity and to the personal, social and environmental contexts within which it takes place. It argues that the relationship of the render to the printed text is as important for the librarian as the printed text itself and that it is from this relationship that emerges a substantinl part of the values which the library serves. It was read to the Assistant Librarians Section, The Library Association of Ireland, at the College of Librarianship Wales, on 16 April 1975.
Teaching Quantitative Methods in Library Schools
Authors: Brittain J.M.
Published: March 2008

The introduction into library schools of courses of instruction in quantitative and research methods is discussed. A one-year course in quantitative methods for postgraduate students is outlined, and examples are given of student projects and papers. The problem of finding suitable staff to teach such courses is discussed and also the problem of fitting the course into existing timetables.
Education for Library Management in African Schools
Authors: Nzotta Briggs C.
Published: March 2008

African library schools affirm reasons put forward for the teaching of management. The management syllabuses in these schools cover most of the topics expected to be treated in such courses. The teachers possess most of the requisite qunlifications for their job; but some necessary teaching aids are not available. While lecturing is the prevailing teaching method, a few other methods are being tried out. The situation in Africa is found to be similar to those in Britain and the United States.

This article is based on a chapter of the author's unpublished M.A. dissertation, The teaching of management in African library schools, Loughborough University of Technology, 1975.
Implications of the NATIS Policy and of International Co-operative Schemes for the United Kingdom
Authors: Stephen Peter
Published: March 2008

The NATIS conference of 1974 set out a programme for unifying the documentation, libraries and archives services within a country into a national information system. Where such services are already established, the diffeculties of applying the programme are con siderable. With emphasis on libraries, the essay examines the present position in the UK in relation to the NATIS principles, and considers the implications in the areas of control, coordination, staffing and bibliographic control.
The Library Association and the American Library Association: their first fifty years
Authors: Ollé James G.
Published: March 2008

Although the American Library Association was founded only one year before the Library Association, it was far ahead of the LA in membership, resources, and range of activities by the time it celebrated its jubilee in October 1926. Although this was due in part to the failure of the LA to attract many new members, especially assistant librarians, it was far less fortunate than the ALA in obtaining financial support for its work from philanthropic institutions. The LA was not inactive, but much of its energies were devoted to its educational work and its abortive attempts to stimulate government interest in the public library service.
Scannin the Operational Environment: the librarian's role
Authors: Kennington Don
Published: March 2008

The growth of corporate planning has increased the need for scanning from documentary sources. This process provides a crucial information input to effective organizations of all sizes and types. Govcrnment and industry especially have a need for strategic information in decision making and this need is analysed. The paper continues by describing the alternative scanning modes and rules based on a model developed by F. J. Aguilar.1 The role of libraries and information specialists in this complex situation is considered and particularly the apparent underuse of their specialist skills by management. The paper concludes by suggesting that further studies, in an area regarded by the author as the most important single function carried out by a special library, should be initiated.

Any opinions and conclusions expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the policy of the Greater London Council.
Caribbean Films
Authors: Bloomfield Valerie
Published: March 2008

This article trares the development of documentary and feature film production in the Com monwealth Caribbean, with particular reference to the work of government film units, sponsor ing organizations, educational and television companies and the locally based film industry. The survey is accompanied by a select list of films produced in and about the Caribbean, and a bibliography. A previons article "Caribbean recordings: notes on sources with a select discography" also by Vilerie Bloomfield, appeared in the January 1976 issue of the Journal, pages 46-72.
Compiling the "Guide to reference material"
Authors: Walford A.J.
Published: March 2008

The Guide to reference material can be described as an annotated subject bibliography, using UDC. New editions of each volume in a 5-6 year cycle are favoured, rather than overall supplements between editions. The problems of co-operation, collection and sifting material, optimum length of volumes, pointed annotations, indexing of titles, the spate of new material, and the demands for inclusion of new subjects are discussed, as well as future plans for the Guide. There is a continuing place for manual as well as computer searching for information.
Patent documents: anticipated changes which will affect libraries
Authors: Hill M.W.
Published: March 2008

On 1st June 1978, a new UK Patents Act comes into operation. On the same date the European Patent Convention and the Patent Co-operation Treaty become operational from the inventor's point of view. Ench of these will give rise to new publications and the three together will create quite a complex network of interacting publication channels.

A brief, sometimes over-simplified, account is given of changes in those aspects of the procedures involved in patenting which have an influence on publications. There then follows a description based on such information as has so far been made available about the publications themselves, specifications, indexes etc., and expected documentation practice. Finally atterrtion is drawn to the possibility that the interest aroused by the new Act may create an opportunity both for bringing home to research and development workers and a wide range of other people the value of patent documents as a source of information and for implanting in them an understanding that, with a little training, patents are not difficult to use.

The views expressed in this article and interpretations of the situation are entirely the author's own and do not represent the views of the British Library nor an official statement on behalf of the Patent Office.
Manual versus computerized retrospective reference retrieval in an academic library
Authors: Lantz Brian E.
Published: March 2008

Twenty searches, initially completed on-line in 1976 by London University Central Information Services, were performed manually. Both modes were costed and their effectiveness examined in terms of relevant references retrieved. The average computerized cost was £28.55 versus an average manual cost of £37.10, while both modes were equally effective. It was found that the most significant variables in determining the relationship between manual and computerized costs were user salary and the time required for a manual search. Evidence also suggests that the degree to which the structure of the indexing language reflects the subject of the query strongly influenced the ease with which a bibliographic tool could be searched manually. For those retrieval tools lacking the added structure of abstracts, manual searches were overwhelmingly cheaper. No variation in search characteristics was found between postgraduates and academic staff. However, due to the salary differential between these two gronps, manual searches were less costly for the former while the reverse was true for the latter. The salary point where the price advantage shifted from manual to computerized was shown to be around £2 per hour.
Besterman and bibliography: an assessment
Authors: Cave Roderick
Published: March 2008

Attempts an assessment of Theodore Besterman's role in the development of bibliography. His part in historical bibliography was a minor one; in various areas of enumerative work his influence was profound. His World bibliography of bibliographies, though a master- piece of enumerative work, is flawed for use by some of Besterman's theories of bibliography. It is suggested that to maintain and increase its usefulness, revision should be by subject experts and include those significant bibliographies hitherto excluded by Besterman's terms of reference.
Library manpower planning
Authors: Moore Nick
Published: March 2008

Between 1968 and 1978 a considerable amount of library manpower planning work took place in the UK. The article reviews the progress of this work and discusses the increasing sophistication of methodologies and techniques. Despite the progress that has been made a great deal more needs to be done; in particular the factors influencing the wastage from and re-entry to librarianship and information work need to be sttidied and quantified if progress is to be continued towards the goal of effective manpower planning in librarianship.
Characteristics of the literature used by English musicologists
Authors: Baker David
Published: March 2008

A total of 7433 footnote references from articles in three English musicological journals— Music and letters, Music review and Proceedings of the Royal Musical Association over the period 1965 to 1974 were analysed according to form of publication (manuscript or printed), bibliographical form, place and date of publication and, where appropriate, lan guage. The articles from which the data was gathered were also analysed according to country, century and composer with which they were primarily concerned. References to periodical articles were also analysed separately according to frequency of citation within the three journals. To complement the footnote analysis, a questionnaire was sent to a re presentative selection of English musicologists asking them to specify which materials they used in the preparation of their periodical articles.

The results of the two surveys are discussed in the context of bibliometric research in other areas as well as present-day musical scholarship itself. Attention is drawn to those biblio graphical forms which, for no apparent reason, appear to be under used. Suggestions are made as to the practical uses the results of the study could have for librarians and musicologists.
New developments in the Nigerian library scene
Authors: Ifidon Sam E.
Published: March 2008

Since 1960, when Nigeria became a sovereign and independent nation, many new develop ments have taken place in the library field. The author reviews these developments, highlights some of the practical difficulties, and suggests possible solutions.
Professional education for librarianship in Denmark
Authors: Rasmussen Radha
Published: March 2008

The Royal Danish School of Librarianship was established in 1956. In 1973 a branch campus of the library school was established in Aalborg. A descriptive and critical account of education for librarianship in Denmark isgiven. The final report of the Library Commis sion and the complete revision of the 1964 Public Library Law, both due to be tabled in Parliament in 1980, or later, may have implications for the future pattern of library education in Denmark.

The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Mr Viggo Bredsdorff, The Acting Rector, Mr Leif Kajberg, Head of Research and Publications, and Mr Poul Steen Larsen, Head of Department, all from the Royal Danish School of Librarianship, who read the manuscript and made valuable comments. The opinions expressed in the article are, however, entirely the author's.
Some "national" guides to reference material surveyed
Authors: Walford A.J.
Published: March 2008

Guides to reference material should be authoritative when national and at least representative when attempting to be international, although there will always be the language barrier. Some of the merits and drawbacks of selected reference guides—Malclès, Beaudiquez and Zundel-Benkhemis, Totok, Maichel, Winchell/Sheehy, ARBA, Ryder, two Japanese guides, Musiker, Geoghegan, Sabor and Borchardt, with others, are discussed.
The Bodleian classification of books
Authors: Heaney Michael
Published: March 2008

The Bodleian's book classification scheme, introduced in 1883 by E. W. B. Nicholson, is described and some peculiarities of its structure are analysed. The author concludes that, despite the scheme's underlying logic, its age and inconsistencies in classificatory practice will result in its discontinuance in the near future.
Special librarians: job characteristics and work attitudes
Authors: Roberts Norman
Published: March 2008

Personnel in special libraries and information units are characterized in terms of professional qualifications, job requirements, change, patterns of work and organizational communication. The data were gathered by the Sheffield Manpower Project. 251 individuals from 88 special units contributed data to the investigation.
The users and uses of public libraries at the outbreak of the First World War
Authors: Ellis Alec
Published: March 2008

This article is complementary to an earlier one published in this journal ( Vol. 9, No. 2, April 1977) which was concerned with the finances and resources of public libraries in England and Wales at the outbreak of the First World War. It was shown that in 1914 38 per cent of the people of England and 54 per cent of those in Wales had no public library facilities at all. There can be no doubt that the rate which was levied for public libraries was inadequate, so that it was not possible to make a reasonable level of provision in most areas where the Public Libraries Act was operative. The present article sets out to identify the users of libraries and the uses to which resources were put in 1914, the last year of an era of relative stability which had existed for half a century or more.
Choices for library services: comments on the socio- economic dimension
Authors: Hennessy J.A.
Published: March 2008

Current patterns of provision to "disadvantaged" users ( or non-users) reflect librarians' perceptions of "disadvantage". A recent DES report suggests "deprived areas" need special initiatives from librarians. A greater consideration of more general socio-economic structures and processes could lead to the development of appropriate information services by public and special libraries, and to a reassessment of ideas upon which to base professional practice.
Studying the public's information needs
Authors: Beal Christina
Published: March 2008

The study of the public's information needs can be brokerr down into three main areas: the availability of information to the public, the public's awareness of their rights to it, and provision to the public of information that is available. This article concentrates on ways of looking at the effectiveness of provision and of trying to assess information needs in a com munity. It describes research done in Sheffield and elsewhere which has attempted to quantify problems and needs, it questions the usefulness of this, and then discusses possible ways of studying them in greater depth.
Ten years of library journals in Great Britain, I969-I979
Authors: Roberts Norman
Published: March 2008

In celebration of the achievement of its first ten years of publication, as noticed in the January 1979 issue, the Journal of Librarianship invited this general review of the progress of the periodicals of librarianship and information science during that decade. Pro fessional publications increased slightly in number over the period due, mainly, to the appearance of small circulation, special interest, periodicals usually of a non-commercial nature. Some established journals adapted to novel circumstances by changing their editorial policies. The changes suggested that the profession was evolving a more complex system of communication. Paradoxically these developments occurred during a period of severe economic difficultics for periodical publishers.
The Staffing of Public Libraries: an appraisal of the I976 LAMSAC Report
Authors: Harrison D.J.
Published: March 2008

An appraisal of the LAMSAC/DES report on "The Staffing of Public Libraries" ( I976) in the light of detailed applications of the formulae in four library authorities of widely differing structures. The examination concentrates on the general professional and non- professional formulae since this is the area which involves the majority of public library staff, although PLRG has also considered the specialist areas of operation. The report is criticized for failing to take the opportunity of suggesting staffing levels suitable for a user orientated public library service.
The ideology of flexibility: a study of recent British academic library buildings
Authors: Vaughan Anthony
Published: March 2008

Nearly all major academic libraries constructed in Great Britain in the last fifteen years have been built on modular or flexible principles, as distinct from earlier fixed function libraries; and this is the result of a new ideology of academic librarianship which has developed in Britain over the last twenty years. Elements of this ideology, as indicnted in librarians' building briefs or programmes, include the recognition of the changing nature of library service, the virtual abandonment of the belief that readers at study need supervision, a desire to "mix" books and readers, and, with certain libraries, a strong commitment to a so-called "active" library service and to the concept of a learning resource centre. Another general reason for the success of the flexible library lies in the growth of a managerial ideology which stresses functional efficiency. All these beliefs have been shaped by the demands which have been put upon libraries and librarians as a result of the expansion of higher education.
The multi-site dilemma
Authors: Ashworth Wilfred
Published: March 2008

This talk was delivered at the Library Association Headquarters on 5 June 1979 as part of a forum on multi-site academic libraries. It offers a solution to the management problems which can arise in such libraries as a result of stress situations stemmingfrom the instabilities of change, such as have occurred in recent years in the development of polytechnic libraries.
Archival responsibilities of university libraries
Authors: Ratcliffe F.W.
Published: March 2008

Based on a talk given at the Standing Conference of National and University Libraries ( SCONUL) at Birmingham University, April 1979, this paper discusses the role of the university library in the collection and preservation of archival resources, alongside the county record office and other respositories of public records. It argues that the university library's activity in this field is justified both by the dependence of university scholarship and research on archival sources and by the breadth of expertise available in universities for the library's bandling, processing and exploitation of archives as research resources. A university's manuscripts and archives collections should be closely related to the research and teaching interests of the university; and its collections of books, etc., constitute an important record and archive in themselves of the history of the university.
Early libraries for nurses in England, I860-I9I4
Authors: Parr Linda J.
Published: March 2008

Early literature for nurses is more substantial than has hitherto been recognized. Its content and quantity are examined as evidence to support this view. The extent of early libraries for nurses cannot be appreciated if the literature is underestimated. Some examples of libraries for nurses are examined. It is concluded that any inadequacy in library facilities was caused by the geographical distribution of hospitals and lack of administrative centralization rather than absence of a literature.
Prestel in the test trial - an academic library user looks back
Authors: Carr Reg
Published: March 2008

This article contains the substance of a paper delivered to the SCONUL Advisory Com mittee on Information Services Conference on "Prestel in higher education" held at the University of Aston on 30 January 1980. It is neither an introduction to Prestel for beginners nor a systematic description of the use of Prestel in Aston University Library, both of these aspects having been covered already in the published literature.1 Instead the author discusses the philosophy and design criteria behind the system, reviews the test trial from a user's point of view, and highlights the principal advantages and disadvantages of Prestel as a source of information in an academic library context.
Towards a public library service in Guernsey
Authors: Hughes Hilary
Published: March 2008

This article outlines the current unusual pattern of library services in Guernsey provided by a variety of organizations—ranging from voluntary and state—funded groups to the endowed Priaulx and Guille-Allès Libraries. This gives context to a description of the early stages of development of the free public library service based on the Guille-Allès, which is planned for 1981. The exciting possibilities for future expansion of this service and the problems facing the library planners are also considered.
British academic library buildings since I964: a comparative study
Authors: Vaughan Anthony
Published: March 2008

Fifty-three major academic library buildings constructed since 1964 are listed and their principal characteristics compared and analysed from the point of view of the librarian. The constraints affecting library design in the period are outlined and some of the structural features of these buildings are described. Attention is paid to the general layout with emphasis on the creation of a main services floor, and details of the accommodation for readers and for materials are given. Some evaluation is made of the success of these buildings in providing an aesthetically satisfying environment for work and for study.
Arundell Esdaile : a centenary tribute
Authors: Ollé James G.
Published: March 2008

Arundell James Kennedy Esdaile ( 1880-1956) was a scholar librarian with several claims to distinction: as a well-known Secretary of the British Museum, as a notable biblio grapher and outstanding contributor to the literature of librarianship and as a dominant figure in the affairs of the Library Association during the period I920-I945, more particularly as editor of the Library Association Record and as a President of the Libraiy Association with an unusually long period of service.
The provision of fiction for public libraries
Authors: Spiller David
Published: March 2008

The survey described here was an attempt to discover what types of fiction are issued in public libraries, how novels are chosen by users, whether they are reserved and whether read, and also to record users' observations on other matters such as preferences in physical format, fiction buying and library booklists. The intention was to provide information of practical value for librarians concerned in the selection and promotion of fiction in public libraries.
A conflict of values — charges in the publicly funded library
Authors: Smith John
Published: March 2008

An exploration of the philosophical base of a free library service and an analysis of the needs for which the library service was created.
Contingency Theory for polytechnic libraries
Authors: De P. Roper Vincent
Published: March 2008

The structure of any organization is determined by its response to environmental pressures and by a systems analysis of the organization itself. Polytechnic libraries face change in relation both to their evolving internal systems and to the discordant dynamic environment in which they exist. However, changes in library service can only be accommodated within certain parameters as controlled by the internal sub-systems of the library. This study considers the Contingency Theory and its possible application to polytechnic libraries.
Public library research
Authors: Wilson Alexander , Moore Nick
Published: March 2008

The British Library Research and Development Department's public library research programme has developed rapidly since 1978. Projects have included state-of-the-art reviews, preliminary or enabling studies, the evaluation of experimental services, user studies, descriptive and analytical studies and operational research projects. In addition, public library projects have been carried out by the research centres supported by the Department. Future work will probably concentrate more on the dissemination and promotion of research results.
Legislation, technology and curriculum requirements for open and closed information systems
Authors: Bottle R.T.
Published: March 2008

The interaction of legislation and technology is discussed briefly and examples are given of the resulting generation or collection of information. The implications of this for curricula in information sciencelspecial librarianship courses are outlined. The reference functions of public libraries (open systems) are compared with industrial libraries (closed systems) in terms of curriculum requirements and the current colder economic climate.
University scientists as seekers of information: sources of references to books and their first use versus date of publication
Authors: Van styvendaele B.J.H.
Published: March 2008

By asking social scientists and pure scientists/technologists how they learned about the existence of books, it was found that for social scientists the library and for pure scientists/technologists the selective dissemination of promotional materials and books by publishers and booksellers directly to researchers were the principal alerting agents. An analysis of first use versus age revealed that the interest potential of a book is dependent upon several parameters: first, user community, viz. scientific field; second, actuality, i.e. recently published books show a high immediacy effect in their use; third, obsolescence: the rate of decay is dependent on source age.
Scientists in librarianship and information work: II
Authors: Wood Frances E.
Published: March 2008

Results of a questionnaire survey (93 per cent response) of the 1974 to 1978 MSc in Information Studies graduates of the University of Sheffield are compared with those of the 1975 Sheffield survey and others. There has been an increase in the proportion of graduates entering industry and commerce, polytechnics and public service and a decrease in the proportion entering universities or returning to UK posts. Respondents showed a high degree of mobility between sectors of employment. Half the posts involved computer applications. Their present post was considered satisfactory by 82% of respondents.
Developments in Manchester's public libraries as a result of the Inner City Programme
Authors: Godwin T.M.
Published: March 2008

This article summarizes the background to the Inner City Programme and analyses the use made of the Programme by the City of Manchester's Cultural Services Department in order to implement a programme of capital and revenue expenditure leading to substantial improvements in the level of service provision within the Inner City.
Mobile library use in a Kent village: a case study
Authors: Bottle R.T. , Passey P.L.
Published: March 2008

Data collected from a parish survey questionnaire (85 per cent return) showed that 17 per cent of households used the mobile library van (MLV). Distance from MLV stopping points and age were major factors affecting use. Households containing retired people showed twice the average use. Young family households made below average use. People seem unwilling to walk far to use the MLV and the survey identified an additional worthwhile stopping place. The usefulness of parish surveys for obtaining library-use data is discussed.
Planning factors in the development of library education in English-speaking black Africa
Authors: Benge Ronald , Olden Anthony
Published: March 2008

This account is based on personal experience and on information supplied by others in the field. Background planning factors are considered with reference to development so far, and the nature of national development is described with particular reference to libraries. Special attention is paid to problems arising from the attempt to make modifications when using foreign models with regard to programmes, curricula and teaching methods. The importance of the staffing factor is stressed. Certain common patterns and problems can be distinguished and it is suggested that an examination of these should help with guidelines for the future.
Nationally co-ordinated library promotion
Authors: Cronin Blaise
Published: March 2008

This paper is a comparative study of approaches to nationally co- ordinated library promotion. The best of current practice in Australia, North America and Europe is reviewed. Recommendations for action in the UK are based on a critical appraisal of four possible schemes.
W.C. Berwick Sayers, librarian and teacher
Authors: Ollé James G.
Published: March 2008

An appreciation of William Charles Berwick Sayers (1881-1960) on the centenary of his birth. Sayers was a member of that small but remarkable group of librarians who gave some measure of distinction to the British public library service during the early decades of the present century. Most of his career was spent with Croydon Public Libraries, first as deputy to L. Stanley Jast, and then as Chief Librarian. But his work as a practising librarian, though well above average, and in its day outstanding in the provision of library services for children, was eclipsed by his success as a writer and teacher of librarianship, particularly in the field of library classification.
Guerrilla librarianship? A review article on the librarianship of politics and the politics of librarianship
Authors: Hennessy J.A.
Published: March 2008

This article looks at some published accounts of relationships between libraries and political authorities, finds that librarians see themselves either as unacknowledged legislators or as political victims, and suggests that librarians as guerrilla partisans can shape their own professional and political futures.