Local Studies Collection Management

Citation

Partridge, J. (2003), "Local Studies Collection Management", Library Management, Vol. 24 No. 6/7, pp. 371-373. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120310486110

This book, with its range of practical suggestions on the management of local studies collections, should prove a valuable addition to local studies librarians’ reference collections. Although there have been numerous articles, and some conference proceedings, including those from Australia (Partridge, 1992; Horgan, 1994; Pember and Horgan, 1997; Pember, 2000) published since the second volume of Local Studies Collections: a Manual in 1991, there has been need for an up‐to‐date management text for local studies collections.

The emphasis by Melrose, Dixon and Barber on the importance of strategic planning and policy development is welcome as this is an area which has tended to be neglected by local studies librarians but is essential for the future expansion of collections and the professional development of staff. The trend identified by Melrose of regional co‐operative partnerships is evident internationally, not only in Britain, and co‐operation with like‐minded heritage organisations locally and regionally requires skills in long‐term planning.

The movement to merge regional collections from archives and libraries is mentioned by Dewe, Dixon, Melrose and Hume and Lock, and in the current period of financial constraint this idea is certain to increase and not be confined to archives and libraries. Future amalgamations may result in the establishment of joint facilities for local history libraries, archives, museums, local history societies and possibly genealogical societies, a mixture of public and private institutions. In his analysis of future directions, Dewe makes a strong case for integration of local studies librarianship and archives, not convergence, so that individual professions can retain their separate identities; however, unless further discussion takes place within and between the range of cultural heritage professions, there is a danger that they will be overtaken by imposed government policies.

While this work is useful on a practical level, its greatest value is in presenting issues and showing leadership to local studies librarianship. Too often collection management publications deal with what is currently in place and do not look to the future. Dewe has analysed trends, the study of history, and identified the popularisation of community history as a major influence on local studies librarianship. It is causing a reassessment of collections and the emergence of new user groups, and these require further consideration by practising professionals.

In light of these trends, while Locke ably reports on issues on access and retrieval, it would be useful to have further discussion on collection development and access. Many local studies services now have a Web presence and make elements of their collections, particularly photographs, available online. Locke states that planning a digital project requires consideration of the technology, copyright, preservation, access issues, and selection of material to digitise, and there are ample resources to aid the local studies librarian to undertake such projects. However, too often digitisation takes place in isolation and there is a need for further professional discussion on standards. These collections are valuable national as well as local resources and compatibility would allow future integration. Resolutions on these matters can only be achieved at a national and international level and should not be done in isolation from other professions involved in the acquisition, preservation, and dissemination of historical materials. In an era of increasing co‐operation it is sensible to draw the best from each of the disciplines that maintain historical collections.

Dixon, Hume and Lock and Barber discuss the challenges in managing collections, access and user demands. Dixon mentions cultural minorities and partnerships, but there is little coverage on identifying the needs of the broader cultural heritage community – environmental, heritage tourism, industrial development, and community history groups. It would be useful to have a section on research into emerging user groups and whether or not their needs differ from those of more traditional user groups, and whether current local studies collections coverage is appropriate.

Within the library profession very little discussion has occurred about the management and organisation of local studies collections. Unlike museums which have developed “a rich and sophisticated literature that draws on a wide range of critical social theory to theorise the museum and its practices” (Barnard and Butts, 1992 p. 2), libraries have tended to limit their discussions to practical applications of collection management policies, not on discussion on what collections mean to the users, and how they should be organised to meet the expectations of users.

Local studies librarianship is currently flourishing in many parts of the world and, while this book is very valuable as a practical management tool, the authors have highlighted that there is a need for in‐depth analysis of future directions. The establishment of the Genealogy and Local History Group of the International Federation of Library Associations in 2002[1] may prove an ideal venue to pursue these ideas internationally, but as Dewe argues strongly, there is a also need for national planning. He advocates such a plan for the UK developed in co‐operation with the Society of Archivists and the Museums Association, which is incorporated in Resource, the new Council of Museums, Archives and Libraries. Local studies national bodies in other countries should take heed and co‐operate with their professional colleagues, including all public and private organisations involved in cultural heritage.

As Dewe states in the final chapter, although “heritage” may be a limiting term to apply to modern local studies services, it is one that is recognised internationally by government and public alike. “Cultural heritage” may be an easier term to use as other heritage groups have already adopted it. Perhaps future debate should cover not only future directions, standards and co‐operation, but also new titles for local studies collections and their staff.

Local studies librarianship plays a valuable role in collecting and conserving local memory and interacting with the community to create identity and historical awareness. This publication is important for the advice it gives, but is equally important for the issues is raises. In many ways it is a catalyst for future discussion and research.

Note

1. 1.

   1 Genealogy and Local History Section, International Federation of Library Associations (2002), available at: www.ifla.org/VII/s37/sgen.htm (accessed 3 March 2003).