Setting Up a Library and Information Service from Scratch

This book is intended as a guide to help those who need to set up a library or information service in their organization, irrespective of subject background or type of organization. It will help both those who have qualifications but no experience in setting up such a centre and those who have had no training at all. The authors have had many years experience setting up information services in different subject backgrounds for a wide range of organizations both in the UK and in many countries. This book will hold your hand as you tackle the many steps to take as you create a successful information service - irrespective of size. Topics covered include: • the reasons for establishing a library • what information is needed, how quickly and in what quantities (information audit approach) • meeting the information needs of special users • premises and furniture • equipment and Internet access • technical requirements • staffing • managing budgets and finance • managing people - staff and management • networking and locating sources of information Readership: The book also has a full list of appendices of sample documents from newsletter and press releases to lists of basic reference books and periodicals.

Table of Contents:
1. Back to basics 2. The first steps 3. Establishing the library and information service 4. Staffing 5. Information networks 6. Services to be provided by the library and information service 7. Support for the library and information service 8. Promoting the library and information service 9. Training, seminars and meetings

About the Author :
Sheila Pantry OBE BA FCLIP manages an independent information services consultancy and electronic publishing business, including websites. She has had a long and varied career in information management in a range of industry sectors, and also in government as Head of Information Services for the Health and Safety Executive. She specializes in worldwide occupational health and safety information and is an experienced trainer, writer, editor and lecturer. Peter Griffiths BA FCLIP MCLIP is Head of Information Services Unit at the Home Office, where he is Head of Profession for librarians and information scientists. His responsibilities extend not only to library and information services in the Home Office but also to an internal reference service, knowledge management, and information support to the research community. He is an experienced trainer, writer and lecturer.

Review :
"As a reinforcement of the LIS concept within an organization, the book is very successful, and for anyone in the position of having to justify the existence of their LIS, this book should be required reading." "With all the publications on new issues and developments within the library and information sector, it is refreshing to come across a book that quite literally goes back to basics in order to address the issue of how to establish a library from scratch."