The management and use of reserve and special collections in public libraries: a study of the East Midlands

Abstract

Considers the role of reserve collections and special collections in public library cooperative schemes of the loosely knit regional library system (RLS) type, based in the East Midlands of the UK. Reports the results of a questionnaire survey, carried out for the East Midlands Regional Library System (EMRLS), to assess the effectiveness of document supply through its own member libraries, aiming at 4 specific objectives: to identify reserve and special collections in member libraries and to provide a position statement on their development, availability and preservation; to identify duplication of effort and materials in relation to reserve and special collections; to identify cost savings and service improvements to be gained through the development and exploitation of reserve and special collections; and to suggest means of developing a plan for the effective, coordinated, maintenance and development of reserve and special collections in the East Midlands region. Reports general survey conclusions and describes some of the courses of action currently being planned as a result of the findings of the survey in order to maximize the cost effective use of the resources in the region.