Local poets and libraries

A survey by questionnaire was conducted in order to obtain details of criteria employed in libraries in the shelving of the works of local poets in local collections or on the main poetry shelves. The general extent of interest in book search and purchase of such works, and provision of venue facilities involving local poets reading their work were also determined. A considerable variation in shelving policy was found. More publicity for the local poet and his work is advocated, together with the ideal of large regional collections, such as achieved by the Northern Poetry Library.