Reimagining local studies in Devon

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect that government austerity policies has had on local studies in Devon and suggest a possible alternative means of maintaining local studies’ collections. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents an historical survey of local studies provision in the county since the nineteenth century and outlines the present local studies’ landscape. Findings The findings show that local studies’ provision has been severely affected by eight years of progressive cuts to public library funding and that present publications, both printed and digital, are no longer being adequately recorded. Practical implications This paper suggests that in Devon, the museum sector may be a more appropriate home for local studies’ library provision than are archive services. Social implications Volunteers in libraries, museums and archives across Devon will be involved in maintaining a union catalogue and a bibliography of local publications. Originality/value While this is a suggested solution for Devon, it may not be applicable in regions with different traditions of heritage provision.