A local studies collection: unexploited possibilities?

Abstract

ABSTRACTPublic libraries have traditionally carried out the local history activities with the main emphasis on the collection and preservation of local studies material in order to meet the educational and research needs, whereas the significance of the local studies material for the everyday needs of different groups of citizens has not been emphasized so much. More than a decade ago, the document adopted by the National Council for Librarianship should have encouraged the librarians to modernize their work based on the market policy and to develop local studies collections in all libraries. By an analysis of the selected published articles and the collected data, the author states that librarians strived to improve the situation at all times but they have not achieved the goals. They will continue to follow this objective, but due to the new Act of Librarianship, now they can expect more help from the state and from the regional libraries, and also from the new technology. In author’s opinion, the help itself will not be sufficient if the market power of the local history material is not used, and if this material will not be brought closer to different target groups and individuals. Appropriate services should be provided inside and outside of their environment, and thus the diversity of the purposes of local studies material will be realized. A detailed definition of the benefits of the use of local studies material proposed by the author, provides a useful starting-point to encourage the use of local studies material and services, which can strengthen the satisfaction among the citizens and the reputation of the library in its environment.