The Libraries Directory 1996-1998

This directory is a source of information on research resources throughout the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland, providing the library details for these countries. The main body of the directory gives information on these research resources and all the information included has been collected from special libraries, public libraries and library and information services. This edition covers 130 more organizations than were previously included. Information is included on automated library systems, expenditure on books, electronic media, salaries and wages, online information services offered, special collections, extra equipment and facilities and stock figures. The specialist library section includes record and archive offices and governmental and commercial libraries, teaching hospitals, colleges of higher education, museums and art galleries. The information included covers classification methods, cooperative schemes, publications and special collections, as well as providing details of names, addresses and telephone and fax numbers.
The section on deposit libraries contains details of their significant collections and includes information about the British Library. The section on public libraries details equipment and facilities available to the public, with information about extramural services, finance and stock, as well as loan periods and fines. It also includes annual acquisitions, catalogue information and a detailed entry about special collections. There is a section on information organizations, giving full postal addresses, telephone and fax numbers, names of senior staff, number of members, main activities and services and publications. This section allows users to contact special-interest groups covering the field of librarianship. The statistics section illustrates the information obtained in the preparation of the library, in a clear format. The section on the Republic of Ireland includes public libraries and special libraries. Main subjects in the directory covered by special libraries and special collections are fully indexed.