Reference and information work in local history: Training for librarians

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Paul, Derryan

Affiliations: College of Librarianship Wales, Aberystwyth, Dyfed SY23 3AS, UK

Abstract: The article starts by indicating the varied ways in which all kinds of different people use local collections for many different purposes, not only in the study of the past, but to enhance their knowledge of the present. It goes on to draw attention to the enormous growth of interest in local history, which is apparent in so many different fields. Vast numbers of researchers visit local libraries and record offices every year, and also national institutions such as the Public Record Office, in pursuit of local history. In addition evening classes in this field have become increasingly popular and it is now common for schools, colleges and universities to include local studies in their syllabuses. The subject is also popular in museums, with publishers and with the media. The central section of the article examines the sources of local history and some of the literature that deals with the recording and use of those of sources. A further section looks at the implications for training librarians and the need for training to be offered to all librarians, not just those who specialise in local studies work. In conclusion the article urges that systematic training programmes should become the rule, rather than the exception, in local history. [French, German, and Spanish translations of this abstract can be found on pp. 367–369.]

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-1988-6304

Journal: Education for Information, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 323-338, 1988