THE BRITISH LIBRARY AND THE SHIRE COUNTY

It would be quite impossible to assess the true value of the British Library as a national support service to any library authority without first sketching the historical background of local government reorganization, as in Devon in 1974, and the resultant upheaval. In comparison with other shire counties, I would not presume to suggest that Devon's problems were any more acute than those of its fellows, but the amalgamation, including three county boroughs, an urban district council, a county council, and a small borough, proved to be a severe testing ground for all concerned.