Libraries in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland 2002

Citation

Fitzsimons, K. (2002), "Libraries in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland 2002", New Library World, Vol. 103 No. 10, pp. 415-415. https://doi.org/10.1108/nlw.2002.103.10.415.3

This annually updated publication has been providing information about Libraries in the UK and the Republic of Ireland for over 40 years.

The directory now contains nearly 3,000 entries. Each entry comprises of contact names, addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, e‐mail addresses and URLs were applicable.

The directory is divided into four categories; Public Library Authorities, Academic Libraries, Selected Government, National and Special Libraries, along with Schools and departments of information and library studies.

The Public Library Authorities category comprises of public libraries within the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland. Entries are arranged under home countries. Each entry provides headquarters/central library details, together with major branch, area and/or regional libraries within that particular authority. Children’s, Youth and Schools Library Services are also included within this section. The directory does not provide a complete listing of every individual library nor does it profess to do so.

The Academic Libraries category lists all universities, institutions of higher education, university‐equivalent colleges and other degree‐awarding institutions throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland, together with major department and site/campus libraries. All entries within this category are arranged under the institutions’ name.

The Selected Government, National and Special Libraries category includes details of libraries if they are one of the main libraries or organizations in their subject field. For example, the Institute of Petroleum is included for petroleum. Contact details for main government departmental libraries are also listed here.

The Schools and Departments of Information and Library Studies category provides a complete listing of all academic institutions offering courses in information and library studies. Full contact details are also included.

In addition to the above, this publication also features a new section entitled; Key Library Agencies and other Relevant Organizations. Contact details for each individual agency/organization, together with a short description of its function within the library profession are supplied.

The amount of coverage provided within this directory is excellent. The information supplied is based on feedback from a questionnaire, distributed to each individual entry contained within the former directory. Questionnaires are also dispatched to other libraries and organizations that have previously been suggested for inclusion. It is worth noting that the entries are only as accurate as the information received.

The directory is well designed, constructed and presented. The name and subject indexes enable quick and easy access to information. The Regions of England feature, indicating which public library authorities fall in their areas, is also a useful tool.

This directory is undoubtedly an invaluable reference source for any library or information professional. This informative publication would also be of interest to those wishing to embark on a library‐related career or to companies/organizations wishing to sell library/information‐related merchandise, products and services.