Local Studies Libraries, 2nd ed.

The introduction acknowledges that the first edition in 1990 was out of date even before it was published. These new guidelines take into account the changes, particularly those associated with the commitment to ICT. It is explained that widespread computerisation has facilitated the links to materials and holdings of all kinds. Such changes to the ways library services are provided, organised and accessed include networking with local and national government information services including the National Grid for Learning. These guidelines are intended to underline the need for local studies libraries to be part of the governmental information services to the community. Relevant matters included are: digitising catalogues, networking, metadata and computers. An eight‐page bibliography is provided and an index.