Some Further Thoughts on the British Library

Abstract

This paper was given to the London and Home Counties Branch of the Library Association at the precise moment that the British Library Board came into being (April 1973) and before the delayed Vesting Day ( July 1973 ) . Brief consideration is given to the work of the Organizing Committee and to the composition of the Board. The role of the Board in ensuring that the necessary finance is available is stressed, and it is suggested that the Advisory Councils (or preferably one Council) must play an import part in policy-making. The difficulties of integrating the staff are touched upon. Some account is given of the planning of the new Bloomsbury building. It is stressed that to complete this on time is of the utmost importance because of the very unsatisfactory conditions in which the Reference and Bibliographical Division will have to operate over the next decade. The Lending Division starts with far better conditions for immediate advance. The objectives of the lending service are discussed, and the need for an integrated lending/reference policy in acquisitions and services. The effects of an integrated lending system on the Regional Bureaux and other libraries is considered and suggestions are made for a policy for the Lending Division in building up, servicing and lending, a retrospective collection of British and foreign books. Acknowledgement is expressed to the London and Home Counties Branch of the LA for permission to reproduce.