mapping libraries and information services in the …...mapping libraries and information services...

Mapping Libraries and InformationServices in the EEMLAC RegionJune 2004

Suzanne Lockyer

LISU

LISU

Mapping Libraries and Information Services in the EEMLAC Region i

Contents

Executive summary..................................................................................................................... ii

Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1

Methodology ............................................................................................................................... 2

Data collection ................................................................................................................................................ 3

Database......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Publicity........................................................................................................................................................... 4

Survey by sector ......................................................................................................................... 5

Assessment of data collection strategy ...................................................................................... 16

General strategy........................................................................................................................................... 16

Questions...................................................................................................................................................... 16

Organisation of data..................................................................................................................................... 16

Summary of data....................................................................................................................... 17

Maintenance and development of the database......................................................................... 19

Basic maintenance ....................................................................................................................................... 19

Development................................................................................................................................................. 19

Utilisation ...................................................................................................................................................... 19

Conclusions .............................................................................................................................. 21

References ............................................................................................................................... 22

Appendix 1: Organisations contacted ..................................................................................... 23

Appendix 2: Database guide .................................................................................................. 25

Appendix 3: Press release ..................................................................................................... 30

Appendix 4: HE questionnaires .............................................................................................. 32

Appendix 5: FE questionnaire ................................................................................................ 36

Appendix 6: Schools questionnaire ........................................................................................ 39

Appendix 7: Specials questionnaire........................................................................................ 41

Mapping Libraries and Information Services in the EEMLAC Region ii

Executive summary

The East of England Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (EEMLAC) is one of nineregional agencies for museums, libraries and archives set up by the Museums, Libraries andArchives Council. EEMLAC wishes to assemble a comprehensive picture of the libraries andinformation services in its region to inform its future planning and strategies as well as toenhance its evidence base. Therefore, LISU was commissioned to collect and collate a widerange of information on libraries and information services to provide a comprehensiverepresentation of the scope and richness of provision in the region.

The database contains information on 775 libraries, with good coverage in the public andacademic sectors. However, certain sectors proved hard to reach, most notably industrial andcommercial libraries.

The project provided an opportunity to assess data collection methods, pilot questions andidentify problem areas.

The main problem was the wide range of information required, which included detailedquantitative data and qualitative information covering a range of policy issues. Some of thesemay have been inappropriate for certain sectors, hence the poor return.

The database provides a sound basis for further work by EEMLAC. With regular maintenanceand focused development work the information collected will be a useful resource to supportEEMLAC’s role.

Mapping Libraries and Information Services in the EEMLAC Region 1

Introduction

The East of England Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (EEMLAC) is one of nineregional agencies for museums, libraries and archives set up by the Museums, Libraries andArchives Council. EEMLAC covers the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex,Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and the unitary authorities of Luton, Peterborough,Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock. EEMLAC wishes to assemble a comprehensive picture of thelibraries and information services in its region to inform its future planning and strategies as wellas to enhance its evidence base. Therefore, LISU was commissioned to collect and collate a widerange of information on libraries and information services to provide a comprehensiverepresentation of the scope and richness of provision in the region.

Data were collected from all sectors, being as wide ranging as possible and practicable in thetime scale. The data collected were input into MS Access‚ for further development byEEMLAC, including eventual merging with data for Museums and Archives in the region.

This report describes the general approach to data collection, and then gives the detailed strategyused for each sector including some results for that sector. Summary statistics for the region areprovided and recommendations for development of the database made.


Methodology

A meeting was held with the Regional Development Officer - Libraries from EEMLAC to definethe scope of the project. It was agreed that information would be sought from libraries within thefollowing sectors, although it was recognised that it would not be possible to collect the fullrange of data required from all sectors

• Public Libraries including data at authority level and branch levelo School Library Services

o Prison Libraries

• Academic Librarieso Higher Education including data at service level and site level

o Cambridge University, including Faculty and Department Libraries, Collegelibraries

o Further Education Colleges and 6th Form Colleges

o Secondary Schools including independent schools

• Special Libraries – as wide a range as possible, for example:

o NHS

o Government and Government Agencies

o Local Government

o Research Instituteso Media

o Professional Organisations

o Industrial and Commercial

o Religious

o Historic (e.g stately homes, private)

At a lower priority:

• Tourist Information Centres

• Citizen Advice Bureaux

EEMLAC ideally required the following data to be included:

• Organisation name, address etc

• Contact name, role


• Client base/access restrictions

• Virtual access (services via internet, publicly available etc)

• Staff: professional, para-professional, volunteers; staff in training; at service andsite/branch level

• Resources by format and status (loan, reference, reserve); at service and site/branchlevel

• Contact for ‘access and learning’ issues

• Date and source of statistics

Data collection

Data collection forms

The first stage of data collection was to obtain basic details of libraries in each sector frompublished sources including websites and directories. Forms for in-house use were designedwhich included all of the data required. Two questionnaires provided by EEMLAC were used tosuggest wording (Directory of skills and facilities questionnaire and the Archives questionnaire).

Sources

DirectoriesDirectories were used to locate special libraries, and also to check certain details for Public andHigher Education Libraries. The directories used are listed in the References section of thisreport. All had strengths and weaknesses. For example, the CILIP Libraries and InformationServices in the UK and Republic of Ireland 2004 is up to date and a good source for publiclibraries and HE libraries, but does not have a wide range of special libraries. The LibrariesDirectory 1998-2000 is a good source for special libraries, and also contains a good range of datafor each library; a particular advantage for this project is the geographical arrangement of entries(by town within each sector). Unfortunately, it is now rather out of date. The Aslib Directory(Reynard 2002) is recognised as a comprehensive source for information services in the specialsector, however, the alphabetical arrangement of entries made it a difficult source to use for thisproject and it was mainly used to check details found elsewhere. The Directory of rare books andspecial collections (Bloomfield 1997) was also used for historic libraries. The entries providedetail on rare books which were not all relevant to the mapping project. However, names andaddresses of libraries were recorded with brief details of their collections.

Printed sources rely on information provided by libraries and even the most recent editions areout of date. Therefore, details were verified wherever possible by checking organisations’websites before contacting libraries.

WebsitesWebsites were used to obtain basic information for Public and Higher Education Libraries, and tocheck for details of library services in other organisations.

Statistical informationPublished statistics for stock and staff were used to provide some figures at service level forpublic libraries (CIPFA 2003) and higher education (SCONUL 2003).


Personal contacts including EEMLAC leadsEEMLAC had previously collected contact details for libraries, museums and archives which areincluded on the Source-East website. This was checked for libraries not found elsewhere. LISUhas a database of contacts and this was also used.

OrganisationsThe Libraries Directory 1998-2000 includes a section on ‘UK Library and InformationOrganisations’ and relevant ones were contacted. Special interest groups at CILIP were alsocontacted. A list of organisations and contacts made is included in Appendix!1.

The source used for each record on the database has been noted so that the accuracy and currencyof the information can be assessed by EEMLAC.

Database

The primary function of the database designed by LISU was to record the information collected.EEMLAC specified that MS Access‚ should be used for compatibility with other databases.However, the database will require further development and this is discussed later in this report.

Due to the timescale of the project, the database had to be designed before data could becollected. Therefore, fields were created for the complete range of information without knowingwhat details libraries would or could provide.

EEMLAC had specified a hierarchical approach to data collection whereby details were includedat service level and site/branch level. Tables within the database reflect this split, with additionaltables for special collections and publications. Identification numbers linked administrative unitsand service points, and also the special collections and publications of the library. See Fig!1.

Fig 1 Tables within database and their relationships.

Although this hierarchy worked well for public libraries and higher education libraries, mostother libraries did not have multiple sites, and this meant duplication of most data. Furthermore,it was a difficult concept to explain to libraries. Public libraries often have overall stockstrategies, sharing stock between branches; and professional staff are peripatetic. However, theseparate tables for special collections and publications worked well, allowing fuller details to beinput which could stand alone or be merged with other data.

More details on the database, including full field descriptions are given in the Database Guide(Appendix!2).

Publicity

The importance of publicity in alerting libraries to the project was recognised and LISU issued apress release to selected contacts (Appendix!3). E-mails were sent to relevant groups viaJisc-mail.

AdminUnit

ServicePoint

SpecialCollections

Public-ations


Survey by sector

A slightly different strategy was used for each sector and different problems were encountered.Therefore, each sector is discussed in turn. A summary of results for each sector is given. Thissummarises data included on the database as provided by organisations and/or derived fromotherwise published sources.

Public libraries

There are ten public library authorities in the region. Information from published sources(directories, statistics and websites) provided a good range of data. However, a breakdown forbranches was required, as was further information on policies. The head of each library servicewas contacted by telephone and the project aims explained and help requested. All agreed tohelp, and an outline of the information required was e-mailed explaining that data would beaccepted in any form convenient to them. Only one return was sent after the initial request.Therefore, reminders were sent. Three further returns have been received. This was a ratherdisappointing response, but may be due to the timescale. All libraries were willing to help andexpressed interest. Although the questions were targeted towards public libraries, some noted thatbreakdown by branch was not feasible especially for staff who worked at headquarters but hadresponsibility for one or more branches. Although the libraries returning data provided acomprehensive breakdown of stock figures (by media and branch) other information was limited.This suggests that quantitative and qualitative data should not be requested at the same time.

Pubic libraries: summary of results

Table 1 Public libraries

Public library authorities 10

Sites 313

Mobiles 70

Staff

Professional (FTE) 370.5

Other library (FTE) 1,594.7

Stock

Books 8,740,811

Journals 1,900

Audios 420,084

Videos 399,946

Microforms 230,481

All libraries provide internet access, and those returning questionnaires provide help on internetuse in all branches.


Higher Education libraries (excluding Cambridge University)

There are eight higher education institutions in the region (excluding Cambridge University)and18 individual libraries. In addition, De Montfort University based in Leicester has a sitelibrary within the region (Bedford College). Contact information and statistics were obtainedfrom published sources. The head of service for each institution was telephoned to explain theproject and request data. Questionnaires were designed based on the original data collectionforms but attempting to target the questions to higher education libraries (Appendix!4). Formswere e-mailed to the head of service or contact at each library.

Some institutions were very prompt in returning forms. Four complete sets of questionnaireshave been received (i.e. Service data and all sites). Luton, Hertfordshire, and Cranfield have sentservice level data, but site level data are incomplete. The University of East Anglia is collatingdata ready to send.

Higher Education institutions were willing to send data, but most were unable to provide the fullbreakdown of stock required. The requirement for data at service and site level also causedconfusion.

Higher Education libraries: summary of results

Table 2 Higher Education (excluding Cambridge University)

Institutions 8

Libraries 19

Stock

Books 3,297,226

Journals 33,752

E-journals 28,405

Databases 381

Electronic sourcesThe figure for electronic sources is not definitive, as access is via gateways and some institutionsnote that there are ‘too many to count’. However, electronic resources are clearly of growingimportance. In addition to e-journals and databases, many libraries provide other services online,such as tutorials and subject guides.

Special collectionsThere are 60 special collections. Local history is well represented with various collections atAlbert Sloman Library, University of East Anglia Library, and Anglia Polytechnic UniversityLibrary. The Bedford Library of De Montfort University houses the Hockliffe Collection of earlychildren’s books, which has a comprehensive online catalogue. The Albert Sloman Library has46 collections including the Watergate Collection, the library of the Western Madrigal Society,the archives of the National Viewers and Listeners Association, and grey literature on rail traveland commuting in the 1960s and 1970s; plus several STC, Wing, and ESTC items.


Cambridge University Library and associated libraries

This was anticipated as a problem area, but produced some of the most comprehensive data –both for scope and detail. The website of Cambridge University Library provides a directory withsummary entries and links for all the libraries of the University departments and Colleges plusseveral special libraries with connections to the University. The details for the University Libraryinclude the strategic report, breakdown of stock by site as well as other information. Therefore,most of the details required could be collected from the web. Stock data for the total number ofbooks and journals were available for most libraries. Staff data are available, however, in somecases only the head of service is listed, but several libraries list all staff. Breakdown betweenprofessional, para-professional and other staff is approximate based on job title or qualifications(where given).

The web resources of Cambridge University, including the departments and colleges are largelypublicly accessible and provide a wide ranging and quality information source.

Cambridge University: summary of results

Table 3 Cambridge University library and dependent librariesInformation from Library website

Number of libraries 5

Staff

Professional 64

Other 294

Stock

Books 5,791,221

Journals 1,588,684

E-journals 2,000

Databases 235

Special collectionsincludes the Bible Society’s Library,Doctoral Dissertations, Manuscripts andUniversity Archives, Maps, Music,Oriental Collections, Rare Books, and theRoyal Commonwealth Society Collection

113

Publicationsincludes history of the library,exhibition catalogues, and publishedcatalogues of collections

75


Table 4 Department and Faculty librariesInformation from individual library’s websites, orCambridge Library Directory


Staff

Professional 66

Para-professional 39

Other 5

Stock

Books 1,469,443

Journals 29,755

Slides and photographs 96,050

Maps 45,000

Microforms 18,459

Special collections 58

Table 5 College librariesInformation from College Library’s websites, or Cambridge Library DirectoryLimited stock information

Number of colleges 24


Staff

Professional 54


Other 6

Stock

Books 164,000

Special collections 39

College libraries provide textbooks for first and second year undergraduates who have noborrowing rights at the University Library. They also provide other information to supportundergraduates e.g. careers information, and local information. Other services include internetaccess, often with advisers to help students. Eight colleges also have ‘old libraries’ which housespecial collections.


Further Education libraries

Further Education institutions within the region were identified via BUBL (www.bubl.ac.uk),Thirty-eight colleges were identified. Individual websites provided little more than contactdetails. Questionnaires were designed to target FE Colleges (Appendix!5), and these were sentwith a covering letter and reply paid envelope. Nineteen questionnaires have been returned todate. However, the information provided has been of good quality, with most providing stockbreakdowns and information on access and learning initiatives. One library noted that nodistinction was made between professional and para-professional staff, highlighting the problemsin attempting to collect detailed data in this area.

Further Education libraries: summary of data

Table 6 Further Education

Number of institutions 38

Number of libraries returning questionnaires(following information based on information inquestionnaires only)

19

Staff

Professional 40

Para professional 24

Other 82

Professional staff in training 6

Para-professional staff in training 2

Stock

Books 609,899

Journals 3,481

Videos 33,322

Audio 8,946

Maps 789

Sixteen libraries are members of co-operative schemes.

Four staff members are applying for Chartership, and one is studying HND Library andInformation Studies. Two staff members would like to study for an MA, but funding isunavailable. One library notes other training undertaken by staff as part of the college’s staffdevelopment, and one library notes future plans for training.

Electronic sourcesAll provide internet access and make use of electronic resources. Five libraries have specifiedthat access to e-resources is via Infotrac, but estimates of number of individual sources vary.


Access and learningSeven of the libraries provide named individuals with responsibility for access and learningissues; this is mainly disability, new users, and adult learners. However, some note thatresponsibility falls outside the library. Twelve of the libraries provide special facilities forstudents with disabilities including variable height workstations, screen readers, software, andBraille production. Peterborough Regional College has a specialist ‘Sensory Resource Centre’ forstudents with disabilities


Secondary school libraries

The Schools Library Service (SLS) for each authority was contacted for help in reaching schools.All but one agreed to send information about the project to schools in their area and to help withdistribution of questionnaires. Suffolk SLS was contacted by telephone and email, but the head ofservice was unavailable at the time contact was made. As the project timescale was so short, itwas decided to send direct to Suffolk schools (using the database of school addresses provided onthe Education Authority’s website). Independent schools in the region were identified from theGuide to accredited independent schools (ISCis 2003) and forms sent directly.

A questionnaire was designed which covered the basic information requirements, but was moreappropriate to schools (Appendix!6). Ideas for questions were obtained from a recent survey ofsecondary school libraries (Survey and Statistical Research Centre 2002). The wording for thequestion about electronic sources was discussed with a colleague at LISU, who has expertise inlibrary services for children. A question was included about ‘activities in the library’ whichelicited some interesting responses. These have been included in the ‘learning remit’ field on thedatabase.

Forms and reply paid envelopes were batched and sent to SLS, or direct to schools with acovering letter. Three-hundred and eighty were sent out and 146 returned to date. Due to timingof mail outs and school holidays the closing date suggested for return of some of the forms hasonly just passed. Cambridgeshire contacted LISU noting a delay and requesting an extension, sofurther forms may be received and as many as possible will be included on the database.

School Library Services have been included in the database as Service Points of the CountyLibrary, the contact name is the person who assisted with the mail out of questionnaires. The SLSwere very helpful and interested in the project.

Secondary school libraries: summary of results

Table 7 Secondary schools Based on returns from 146 schools

Staff

Professional 100


Other library staffincludes 8 staff with teaching qualification

132

Dual qualified staff (teacher/librarian) 2

Volunteers * 970

Stock

Books 1,627,139

Journals 3,866

Audios 7.940

Videos 11,863

* This includes parents and pupils. Many pupils assist during lunch andother breaks, hence high number of volunteers.


Electronic sourcesSchool libraries included rather varied information on electronic sources, most noting use ofCD-ROMs, but others that these were being phased out. Some librarians noted that resourceswere networked throughout the school and therefore not included in library stock. The use ofelectronic sources by school libraries may be an area for further research by EEMLAC.

Special collections58% of the schools included some information on special collections. These were mostly localhistory but several included school archives. Some schools contain collections by and about oldpupils e.g. Greshams School (includes Britten and Auden), and Haileybury. Other collectionsinclude books donated by American Airmen stationed at Wayland Community School during thewar, and a collection on Quaker history and background at the Friends School.

ActivitiesSchool libraries run induction sessions, teach study and information skills and prepare subjectpacks. Other activities include book fairs, visits by authors, and Carnegie shadowing.


Special libraries

This is a very diverse sector. Libraries were identified from directories and other contacts asnoted above. Where possible, details were checked and supplemented by information fromwebsites. Some organisations provided detailed information about their library services, whereasothers did not mention them. A questionnaire was designed which attempted to cover theinformation required, but to make the wording more accessible to special libraries (Appendix!7).Even so, as the sector itself is so diverse the questionnaire was not appropriate to all librarieswithin the sector. A total of 117 questionnaires was sent out, and 51 replies have been received todate (including 1 refusal, 1 ‘gone away’ and 1 library closed). It was not possible within thetimescale of the project to make initial telephone contact or send reminders. However, whereadditional information was obtained from websites an attempt was made to personalise the lettersby noting the information found on the website and highlighting what was still required. Thisapproach paid off in at least one case. The librarian at the John!Innes Centre replied ‘thank youfor your kind comments regarding the detail on our website. This is an area that we wish tocontinue to develop’. This may prove a useful contact for the future.

General reasons for poor response may be lack of named contact, poor targeting of thequestionnaire to the sector, and poor quality of initial contact data. Of the 117 organisationsidentified, some verification was found for 77.

Stock and staff figures for all special libraries are given, but these cannot be seen as trulyrepresentative of this sector.

Special libraries: summary of results

Table 8 Special libraries


Staff

Professional 101


Other 38

Volunteers 29

Stock

Books 755,099

Journals 20,034

Publications 39

Research institutesEleven research institutes were identified within the region, and most provided informativewebsites. Questionnaires were sent to six institutes, information on the remaining five wasobtained from the Cambridge Library Directory. Four completed questionnaires were received.Examples of research institutes included on the database are The John Innes Centre, MRCHuman Health and Nutrition Research Centre, the Centre for Logistics and Supply ChainManagement, and the Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies.


ReligiousFive religious libraries were identified from published sources and were sent questionnaires.Rather surprisingly, none of these libraries returned questionnaires or contacted LISU. However,a contact at the Association of British Theological and Philosophical Libraries (see Appendix!1)forwarded a draft copy of their directory, so further details for some of these libraries could beincluded and two additional libraries were identified from this source. Ten further libraries wereidentified from the Cambridge Library Directory which carry out research and/or teaching intheology. Examples of religious libraries included on the database are Cathedral Libraries,Dedham Parochial Library (includes rare books and manuscripts), St Albans Diocese ResourceCentre (provides a range of education resources), Strict Baptist Historical Society Library,Blackfriars Library (a Dominican Community), and the Centre for Jewish-Christian relations.

Membership associations and other special interestThis is rather a miscellaneous category, including a range of organisations from special interestto professional associations which provide information services for members. For example,Norfolk Heraldry Society, Construction Industry Training Board, RSPB and National AmateurRadio Society. EEMLAC may wish to re-categorise some of these. Twelve libraries wereidentified in this category and four questionnaires returned.

Prison librariesA committee member of the Prison Libraries Special Interest Group of CILIP (see Appendix!1)provided a list of prison libraries within the region. This list included nine libraries, and fourquestionnaires have been received to date. Prison libraries have been classified as ‘special’because of the circumstances of service delivery, although services are provided via publiclibrary authorities. Two of the respondents note that introduction to the library is part of theprison induction programme, and all provide some ‘access and learning’ activities, such assupport for adult learning and basic skills, family reading schemes, and ‘big book share’.Prisoners work in three of the libraries as volunteers and in one of these the volunteers hadstudied for the Library Assistant’s certificate.

Industrial and commercialThis was acknowledged as a difficult sector. Directories, personal contacts, Business Links, andspecial interest groups were all used in an attempt to identify organisations. Contact informationwas very difficult to obtain, and a combination of sources had to be used. There are severalproblems in obtaining data. Firstly, identifying companies in the region is relatively easy, butfinding out about library services is more difficult. Secondly, many of the questions were notrelevant to business libraries, e.g. questions about accessibility and learning. Finally, businessesneed some reason for providing such details.

The difficulty in locating libraries and obtaining information is not unique to this survey. Theeditor of the Aslib directory notes that ‘industrial and commercial companies have closedlibraries, and information departments are now frequently unwilling to provide information toanyone who is not a paying customer for goods and services (Reynard 2002). This attitude issummed up in this reply sent to LISU:

This is not a public library. Please remove from your list/database.

Business Links were contacted and requested to send details of their information services. Fourquestionnaires were returned (including EEDA and EETB). Companies returning questionnairesinclude BT and Norwich Union.


MediaAddresses were obtained from Association of UK Media Librarians website. Threequestionnaires were sent, and one returned. The returned questionnaire was from ArchantNorfolk. This was previously Eastern Counties Newspapers (to whom the questionnaire wasaddressed).

GovernmentThe Government Office – East was contacted for information about central government libraries,and also about their own information service. Although helpful, they could provide littleinformation and referred us to the East of England Observatory. Some Government Agencies areincluded, which were located via directories, e.g. English Nature, CEFAS.

Libraries within Local Government Departments were difficult to locate. Public libraries hadbeen suggested as a source, but one contact noted that a colleague was trying to compile a listand was also finding it difficult. However, Hertfordshire Library Service provides the LocalGovernment Information Service (LoGIS). The Information Librarian was contacted and shenoted that each authority made its own decisions but provided a list of contacts. Unfortunately,this source was located too late to follow up the leads, but they are included in Appendix!1.LoGIS (Hertfordshire) is included in the database as a service point of Hertfordshire LibraryService.

HealthInformation on NHS libraries within the region was obtained from members of the Library andKnowledge Development Network. Thirty questionnaires were sent and 19 returned, however, insome cases details cover more than one library, and other services are included as site libraries ofHE institutions e.g. University of Luton, Bedford Health Library. Therefore, coverage of HealthLibraries is fairly comprehensive. The NHS provide a ‘core content’ of 1,000 e-journals andseven databases covering Clinical Science and Health Management. This is available to all NHSstaff in England. Libraries provide library skills and critical appraisal training as part of thepromotion of the core content collection. The Health Libraries are all members of severalco-operative schemes in the general, health and education sectors.

Tourist Information Centres and Citizen Advice BureauxInformation on Tourist Information Centres and Citizen Advice Bureaux was considered a lowerpriority.

A list of 53 Tourist Information Centre Information Points was provided by the East of EnglandTourist Board and these are included as service points of the EETB.

No information on Citizen Advice Bureaux was sought due to lack of time.


Assessment of data collection strategy

General strategy

The strategy used worked well to a point. Identification of libraries from directories andsupplementing information from websites meant some background knowledge of the library wasobtained and could be used to personalise approaches to some extent. However, attempting toobtain additional data through questionnaires was more problematic. Better results were obtainedwhen organisations were telephoned first, but even then results were not always sent withoutreminders. As much of the data required were qualitative, interviews may be more useful asrespondents could be prompted for information and the questions explained more fully. However,this would be an extremely resource intensive process.

The timescale of the project limited the amount of personal contact that could be made, and alsothe time available to locate some sources, most notably for commercial and industrial libraries. Itwould also have been helpful in some sectors to have further time to pilot appropriately targetedquestionnaires and interview schedules.

Questions

Some of the information sought required more explanation than was possible in a questionnaire.For example, EEMLAC wished to know about staff expertise and training. However, it wasdifficult to phrase the questions to obtain the desired answers. Although details of qualificationswere sought, respondents gave ‘letters’ rather than subjects studied so this provides littleinformation beyond level of education. The question about staff undergoing training elicitedsome response, but again it would have been useful to discuss this more fully. Some librariansnoted that staff wished to study for qualifications, but funding was unavailable.

Another area of interest to EEMLAC was ‘access and learning’ issues, but this was also difficultto cover adequately by questionnaire. The question was broken down into the subheadings usedby EEMLAC in an attempt to clarify the question. However, such headings were only deemedappropriate to Public and FE libraries. The most relevant headings were also included in the HEquestionnaires. Special libraries were asked about ‘education and outreach initiatives’.

Finally, questions concerning DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliance causeddifficulties. Special libraries within organisations saw it as outside their remit, did not understandthe term, or noted that the library was not open to the public. Libraries in other sectors didattempt to explain any difficulties and what was being done to overcome them. Public andacademic libraries tend to be audited by their parent organisations, so data about DDAcompliance may be considered reliable. However, for some other libraries it is questionable.

Organisation of data

The attempt to collect data at service level and library level posed some difficulties. It meantrequesting several sets of data from public and some HE libraries, which was cumbersome toexplain, and required extra work for libraries to collect. It was also time consuming to input data.However, the separate tables for special collections and publications worked well, allowing fullerdetails to be input which could stand alone or be merged with other data.


Summary of data

These figures summarise all the data which could be obtained/verified in the time available, andtherefore represents a minimum level of library activity in the region.

Table 9 Total summary of data

Total number of libraries 775

Staff

Total staffof which professionally qualified

3,572944

Volunteers working in libraries 1,081

Stock

Books 23,172,619

Journals 1,681,942

Audios 452,514

Videos 454,621

Photographs 17,083

Slides 240,020

Maps 70,501

Microforms 249,216

Electronic sourcesElectronic sources are widely used in all sectors, with the libraries responding to the surveyoffering access to 35,287 e-journals and 930 databases.

• All public, HE, FE and School libraries offer internet access

• Use of electronic sources is further promoted by offering training and adviceo The public libraries which completed forms offer advice on internet use in all

branches

o HE institutions offer training in search skills, often via online tutorials

o School and FE college libraries are also involved in information skills training

o In the special sector, the NHS provides a core collection of around 1000 full textjournals and seven databases for use by all NHS staff. Trainers based in NHSlibraries promote the service by offering training in search skills and criticalappraisal.

Publications• Libraries in the region produce 123 publications, mainly catalogues of special

collections, or library history


Special collections• There are 400 special collections. Some of the libraries are so specialist that the whole

collection can be considered special e.g. books on Amateur Radio held at the AmateurRadio Society Library, the library of the Norfolk Heraldry Society.

• Others are rare books held by the library e.g!rare book collection at the Albert SlomanLibrary, many collections at Cambridge University, Burkitts bible folio at DedhamParish Library, and early children’s books at the Bedford Library of De MontfortUniversity.

• Subject based special collections include:o Genetics – the Genetics library at Cambridge; several collections at the John Innes

Centre, including the library and papers of William Bateson who coined the term‘genetics’

o Statistics (Albert Sloman Library)

o Psychiatry - several collections at Cambridge including a history of psychiatry andpsychiatric treatment from the 16th century; Freud’s works and correspondence atthe Albert Sloman Library

o Astronomy - including history of astronomy at the Whittle Library, star atlases atthe Institute of Astronomy, and the archives of the Royal Observatory atCambridge University Library).

• Famous people with a regional connection are well represented:

o Benjamin Britten - Britten-Pears Library, Benjamin Britten School and GreshamsSchool (where Britten was a pupil)

o Gainsborough (Gainsborough’s House Museum and Library);

o John Bunyan (John Bunyan Museum and Library)

o George Bernard Shaw’s library at Shaw’s Corner, Welwyn.

Access to librariesWho can use the 23 million books, and enjoy the special collections?

• Very few of the libraries which responded refuse access to anyone genuinely interestedin the subject matter of their collections. However, visitors require an appointment andaccess to rare book collections often requires references.

• Reference use is usually free of charge, but libraries may charge for enquiries or forvisitors to register for regular use.

• Some libraries have open days or exhibitions of their special collections e.g. TheNational Trust, The John Innes Centre, and Cambridge University. Several libraries,even in the special sector provide online catalogues which are available on the internet.Some of these contain considerable information, e.g. The John Innes Centre, CEFAS,Britten-Pears

• Library web pages, particularly those of higher education institutions, often offer usefulservices such as subject guides with links to quality assessed web sites.


Maintenance and development of the database

Basic maintenance

To have any value the information contained in the database must be current and accurate.Therefore, regular maintenance is required. The database supplied includes addresses of somelibraries for which no verifying data could be obtained either from the organisation’s website orby questionnaire. The source of all information contained in the database is included in the ‘otherinformation’ field. The first stage should be to review all entries to ascertain where further detailsare needed, and prioritise any further data collection.

Ongoing maintenance should include an annual update. All organisations included on thedatabase should be sent a copy of their entry and asked to update it. Some respondents noted thatthey had previously supplied data or were aware of similar surveys. This suggests it is importantto make contributors aware of progress, and what is being done with the information theyprovide.

This database can only be seen as a start to mapping of libraries in the region. Mapping ofservices in some sectors is comprehensive, but it is lacking in others which are harder to reach.Therefore, a strategy to keep existing information up to date and continue to develop the databaseis required. Provision of information by existing and new organisations should be made as easyas possible, for example via the internet; one respondent did suggest online forms. However,there also needs to be some review of the information required, and what will be done with it, sothat a clear message can be sent to organisations.

Development

It was soon discovered during data collection that the information required was too wide ranging.The survey required either too much information, or information which appeared irrelevant tocertain sectors. The information sought clearly reflected EEMLAC’s varied role, but it may bebetter to focus on one element at a time when considering future developments. For example, toattract industrial and commercial libraries the focus should be on the economic contributions oflibraries and the potential for sharing of resources between the business and cultural sectors.

Questions about policy and initiatives should be separated from quantitative questions, and amore personal approach considered.

Any future data collection, including that planned by the museums and archives sectors, shouldbe co-ordinated. EEMLAC must emphasise their advocacy role and state why they want theinformation, what will be done with it, and how libraries will benefit.

Although further development is required, the current database does contain information whichwill help EEMLAC fulfil their role, as outlined below.

Utilisation

As coverage of public and academic libraries is good, this could be used to demonstrate the roleof libraries in educational development and quality of life. For example, School Libraries tend tocarry out many activities to support the curriculum and many have special collections ofrelevance to their community. Further Education Libraries support basic skills learning andprovide other opportunities for adult learners. Most Higher Education Libraries allow reference


use on application, and some services are available via the internet. Some special libraries alsoallow reference use or have exhibitions open to the public.

The database documents special collections many with regional associations, which could bepublicised outside the region, with permission from the libraries concerned.

At present coverage of industrial and commercial libraries is poor. However, EEMLAC wishes topromote sharing of skills between business and cultural sectors. By demonstrating the wealth ofresources available in other sectors, business libraries may wish to be included.

Any successful use of data should be publicised within the library sector and within the region.This will demonstrate the important role of libraries and hopefully prompt further entries for thedatabase.

Data protection and copyright

Respondents were assured that personal and commercially sensitive information would not bepublished. Most information has been given voluntarily or obtained from published sources.However, some small libraries belonging to membership organisations may give personaladdresses in directory entries, and some of these may be out of date. Some information wasobtained from a draft database provided by the Association of British Theological andPhilosophical libraries. The Association knows that the information is being included on thisdatabase. However, some personal addresses are used which were not provided direct to LISU bythe addressee.

Details about special collections have been copied from web pages, so should be referenced ifused.


Conclusions

The project timescale was too short to be comprehensive in either coverage or data collected.However, it provided the opportunity to assess data collection methods, pilot questions andidentify problem areas.

The main conclusion is the need to identify the purpose of any future surveys, and target specificlibraries with questions aimed to satisfy that purpose. Adequate time to find basic informationabout library services provided by organisations, make initial contact and to chase responsesmust be allowed for maximum outcome. Any future data collection exercises should be wellpublicised to special interest groups and more generally. This should include reasons for wantinginformation and for libraries to be involved.

The database must be maintained, with at least an annual review of data. It must be recognisedthat this is not a trivial exercise, and sufficient resources must be allocated if the database is tohave value.

Any use of the database must consider data protection, and use of certain information will needto be referenced.


References

Bloomfield, B C (ed), (1997), A directory of rare books and special collections in the UK and theRepublic of Ireland, 2nd edition. London: Library Association 1997.

Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (2003), Public library statistics: 2001-02actuals. Croydon: IPF.

CILIP (2004), Libraries and Information Services in the United Kingdom and the Republic ofIreland 2004. London: Facet Publishing

Creaser, Claire and Maynard, Sally (2003), A Survey of Library Services to Schools and Childrenin the UK 2002-2003. Loughborough: LISU

Independent Schools Council Information Service East (2003), Your guide to accreditedindependent schools in Eastern England 2003/2004 34th edition. Holt: ISCis East.

Reynard, Keith W (2002), The Aslib directory of information sources in the United Kingdom,ninth edition. London: Europa.

Society of College, National and University Libraries (2003), Annual library statistics2001-2002. London: SCONUL

Survey and Statistical Centre (Sheffield Hallam University) (2002), Survey of secondary schoollibraries: main findings. Report prepared for CILIP by the Survey and Statistical Centre,Sheffield Hallam University, October 2002.

Walker, Iain (ed) (2001), The libraries directory: a guide to the libraries and archives of theUnited Kingdom and Ireland 1998-2000. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co Ltd.

APPENDIX 1: Organisations contacted


UK Library and Information Organisations from Walker (2001)The Libraries Directory

Association of British Theological and Philosophical Librarieswww.abtapl.org.uk. Chairman: Judith Powles; Referred to Wendy Bell who is compiling onlinedirectory of libraries. Wendy sent me draft version, which contained useful details for somereligious libraries in the region: [email protected].

Association of UK Media Librarians. www.aukml.org.ukList of members available online

British and Irish Association of Law Librarians. www.biall.org.ukNo information on members on website. Contacted administrator, but details held are forlibrarians rather than libraries, so unable to provide listing.

International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Document Centres.www.iaml-uk-irl.org.An interesting website with some resources, links etc but no contact details. However, containsthe database ‘Cecilia’ which is mapping all music resources in UK and Ireland. There were somelinks to music libraries in the East of England, all of which had been found elsewhere. However,the Museum and Archive sections of EEMLAC may find this a useful resource.

National Association of Aerial Photographic Libraries. www.rspsoc.org.No information on website and no central contact details. Contacted secretary, who referred meto their directory for details of libraries in the region. Unable to locate in any local libraries, andtried to order without success. However, this was published in 1997, and so may be out of date.

Private Libraries Association. John Allison, East Pavilion, Dudbridge House, Dudbridge,Stroud GL5 3HF. Wrote, but no reply.

SPRIG: Promoting Information in Leisure, Tourism and Sport. This seemed a verypromising lead, but contact was at Sport England and was no longer involved. Most libraryresources being run down.

Association of Information Officers in Pharmaceutical Industry. www.aiopi.org.uk.No telephone contact numbers, e-mailed, but no response.

Construction Industry Information Group. www.ciig.org.ukRequests in writing only – wrote to secretary but no reply.

APPENDIX 1: Organisations contacted


CILIP Special Interest Groups

Prison Libraries: Contacted Neil Simmons, committee member located in East of Englandregion (HMP Littlehey); provided list of libraries in the [email protected]; 01480 333255

Workplace Libraries (East): Zoe Birch. Contacted Zoe to help with commercial and industriallibraries, she e-mailed me several times with suggestions from herself and [email protected]. 01733 455483

Information Services Group (East of England): James Yardley. Explained difficulties withlocating commercial and industrial libraries. He tries to build relationships with informationworkers in this sector, especially those working along, and is willing to help with contacts. 10223712007; [email protected]

Health Service: Library and Knowledge Development Network

Essex WDC: Christine Coley, 01268 593972. Sent list of health libraries in Essex.

Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambs WDC: Joan Hunter, 01284 713343. Sent list of libraries inNorfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Bed and Herts WDC: Diane Levey 01442 287185. Sent list of libraries in Bedfordshire andHertfordshire.

Local Government Information

LoGIS, Hertfordshire Library Service: Diane Coyne, [email protected]. Dianeprovided list of contacts in local government information in the region. She also provided awebsite for the Affiliation of Local Government Information Specialists www.algis.org.uk.However, the site is currently under development and does not proved much information.Contacts within the region are:

Bedfordshire Member Information and Support Service, County Hall, Cordwell Street, BedfordMK42 9AP. Tel. 01234 363222

Cambridgeshire County Council, Local Government Information Library, Room 217 CountyHall, Cambridge CB3 0AP. Tel 01223 717665

Essex County Council Local Government Information Service, County Hall, Chelmsford CM11LX. Tel 01245 430053. Contact name – Elaine Woods

Suffolk County Council Corporate Library, tel 01473 264285. Contact name – Graham East.

APPENDIX 2: Database guide


Introduction

Data collected was to be input into an MS Access‚ database. Unfortunately the database had tobe developed before questionnaires were returned, so it was the based on ideal informationrequirements rather than what libraries would or could provide. The database uses four relatedtables which reflect the hierarchical structure requested by EEMLAC. The tables are linked byidentification numbers which allow data in one table to be merged with others.

A more detailed explanation of each table and the fields within it follows.

Database structure

Table: Administrative Units

This contains all information at the administrative level, including stock and staff figures for thewhole service, information about policies and the number of publications (if any) produced bythe library service. For standardisation, all libraries have been input as ‘x library service’,however, this is not necessarily a term used by the library.

Details of publications are included in a separate table which is linked to the administrative unitdetails by the unique identifier.

A list of fields, with data type follows. The field names are self explanatory, but somedescriptions are included in the table design, which appear when data are input. The final field‘other information’ has been used to clarify details where necessary and to note the source ofinformation.

List of fields in Administrative Units table

Name of field Type SizeAdmin Unit ID Long Integer 4Library Service Text 200Address 1 Text 50Address 2 Text 50Address 3 Text 50Town/City Text 50County Text 30Post Code Text 10Telephone Number Text 20Fax Number Text 50e-mail Text 50URL Text 50Head of Service Text 50Job title Text 50Direct Line Text 20e-mail for Head of Service Text 50Parent Organisation Text 100Number of sites Integer 2Number of mobiles Integer 2Type of Organisation Text 50Professional Staff (FTE)Professional Staff (number) Long Integer 4Para Professional Staff (FTE)Para Professional Staff (Number) Long Integer 4Other library staff (FTE)Other library staff (number) Long Integer 4Volunteers (FTE)Volunteers (number) Long Integer 4Professional staff in training Long Integer 4



Para professional staff in training Long Integer 4Date/source of staff statistics Text 100Entry conditions Memo -Books for loan Long Integer 4Books for reference Long Integer 4Books in reserve Long Integer 4Total books Long Integer 4Journals for loan Long Integer 4Journals for reference Long Integer 4Journals in reserve Long Integer 4Total journals Long Integer 4Audios for loan Long Integer 4Audios for reference Long Integer 4Audios in reserve Long Integer 4Total audios Long Integer 4Videos for loan Long Integer 4Videos for reference Long Integer 4

Videos in reserve Long Integer 4Total videos Long Integer 4Photos for loan Long Integer 4Photos for reference Long Integer 4Photos in reserve Long Integer 4Total Photos Long Integer 4Slides for loan Long Integer 4Slides for reference Long Integer 4Slides in reserve Long Integer 4Total slides Long Integer 4Illustrations for loan Long Integer 4Illustrations for reference Long Integer 4Illustrations in reserve Long Integer 4Total illustrations Long Integer 4Maps for loan Long Integer 4Maps for reference Long Integer 4Maps in reserve Long Integer 4Total maps Long Integer 4Microforms Long Integer 4Other stock information Text 200e-journals (number) Long Integer 4Access to e-journals Text 100e-books (number) Long Integer 4Access to e-books Text 100Databases Long Integer 4Date/source of stock statistics Text 100Strategic plan Yes/No 1Availability of plan Text 100Member of co-operative networks Yes/No 1Details Text 100Publications Yes/No 1Number of Publications Long Integer 4Library services via internet Text 200Staff member for Access issues Yes/No 1Contact Name (access) Text 50Telephone (access) Text 20e-mail (access) Text 50Details of remit Memo -Member of staff for learning issues Yes/No 1Contact Name (learning) Text 50Telephone (learning) Text 20e-mail (learning) Text 50Details of remit (learning) Memo -Other information Memo -



Table: Service Points

This table contains information at service point i.e. individual library level. For many librariesthe details are the same as for administrative units. In some cases, due to pressure of time toinput data, duplicate information has been omitted from the Service Point table. The name andidentifier of the library service is included so details can be linked. Some additional data,relevant at individual library level is included, for example number (if any) of specialcollections, and information about disabled access.

Further details of special collections are included in a separate table linked to the service point bya unique identifier.

List of fields in Service Points table

Name of field Type SizeService Point ID Long Integer 4Name of Library Text 200Address 1 Text 50Address 2 Text 50Address 3 Text 50Town/City Text 50County Text 30Post Code Text 10Telephone Number Text 20Fax Number Text 50e-mail Text 50URL Text 50Head of Library Text 50Job title Text 50Direct Line Text 20e-mail for Head of Library Text 50Administrative Unit Text 200Admin Unit ID Long Integer 4Type of Library Text 100Professional Staff (FTE)Professional Staff (number) Long Integer 4Para Professional Staff (FTE)Para Professional Staff (Number) Long Integer 4Other library staff (FTE)Other library staff (number) Long Integer 4Volunteers (FTE)Volunteers (number) Long Integer 4Professional staff in training Long Integer 4Para professional staff in training Long Integer 4Date/source of staff statistics Text 100Books for loan Long Integer 4Books for reference Long Integer 4Books in reserve Long Integer 4Total books Long Integer 4Journals for loan Long Integer 4Journals for reference Long Integer 4Journals in reserve Long Integer 4Total journals Long Integer 4Audios for loan Long Integer 4Audios for reference Long Integer 4Audios in reserve Long Integer 4Total audios Long Integer 4Videos for loan Long Integer 4Videos for reference Long Integer 4Videos in reserve Long Integer 4Total videos Long Integer 4Photos for loan Long Integer 4Photos for reference Long Integer 4



Photos in reserve Long Integer 4Total Photos Long Integer 4Slides for loan Long Integer 4Slides for reference Long Integer 4Slides in reserve Long Integer 4

Total slides Long Integer 4Illustrations for loan Long Integer 4Illustrations for reference Long Integer 4Illustrations in reserve Long Integer 4Total illustrations Long Integer 4Maps for loan Long Integer 4Maps for reference Long Integer 4Maps in reserve Long Integer 4Total maps Long Integer 4Microforms Long Integer 4Other stock information Text 200e-journals (number) Long Integer 4Access to e-journals Text 100e-books (number) Long Integer 4Access to e-books Text 200Databases Long Integer 4Date of stock statistics Text 20Special collections Yes/No 1Number of collections Long Integer 4Internet access from library Yes/No 1Comments about internet access Text 200Adviser for internet use Yes/No 1Name (internet adviser) Text 50Phone number Text 20e-mail 1 Text 50Catalogue via internet Yes/No 1Reservations via internet Yes/No 1Renewals via internet Yes/No 1Other comments on library services via internet Text 200Facilities for users with disabilities Yes/No 1Brief details of facilities Text 200Difficulties in accessing library buidlings Yes/No 1Brief details Text 200

Table: Publications

This table contains details of any publications produced by the library service. It is linked to thefull details of the library service by the Administrative Unit identifier.

List of fields in the Publications table

Name of field Type SizeAdministrative Unit Text 200Admin Unit ID Long Integer 4Publication title Text 200Price Currency 8Description Memo -



Table: Special Collections

This table contains details of special collections held at a library. It is linked to the library by theService Point identifier.

Name of field Type SizeName of library Text 200Service Point ID Long Integer 4Name of collection Text 200Catalogue details Text 200Access to collection Text 100Contact name Text 50Telephone Text 20e-mail Text 50Brief details of collection Memo -

APPENDIX 3: Press Release


PRESS RELEASE

Mapping of Library and Information Services in the East of England

LISU and the Department of Information Science at Loughborough University have beencommissioned to map library and information services by the East of England Museums,Libraries and Archive Council (EEMLAC).

EEMLAC wishes to discover the extent of library and information provision within the region todemonstrate the richness of library services and to help inform future planning and strategies.

To meet these aims LISU will be identifying libraries from a wide range of sectors includingPublic, Academic, and Special Libraries. Information collected will include location of libraries,staff expertise, and details of stock including special collections.

Although published sources can be used to locate many library and information services, thereare still some major gaps in coverage. Therefore, researchers at LISU would be pleased to hearfrom providers of such services in the East of England region who would like to be included inthe database.

ENDS

Note to Editors

For further information contactSuzanne Lockyer, Research Associate, LISU, Brockington Building, Loughborough University,Loughborough, Leics LE11 3TU. Tel: 01509 223264, email: [email protected] is a national research and information centre based in the Department of InformationScience at Loughborough University and partially supported by MLA, the Museums, Librariesand Archives Council. LISU seeks to contribute, in appropriate ways, to good managementpractice in the various public and private sector agencies that make up the strands of theinformation economy and cultural services. Its ‘mainstream’ work covers public, academic andspecial libraries and the information publishing and distribution field.

continued overleaf

APPENDIX 3: Press Release


The Department of Information Science at Loughborough UniversityFormed in 1977, the Department sustains an extensive research programme through fundedprojects, consultancy and doctoral study covering a wide range of information managementissues. In the 1996 Research Assessment Exercise the Department achieved the distinction of a‘5’ grade in recognition of the international status of its research endeavour and it maintained thisrating in the 2001 Exercise. It has also demonstrated its excellence in teaching by achieving amaximum 24!points in a recent External Subject review by the Quality Assurance Agency. TheDepartment has attracted a range of major sponsors to support research projects including: theEuropean Union, the Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRB), the Economic and Socialand Research Council (ESRC), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council(EPSRC), the British Library Research and Innovation Centre, the Gatsby Foundation, theLeverhulme Trust, the Centre for Environmental Education, the NHS, the Joint InformationServices Committee of HEFCE and many other agencies.

EEMLAC (East of England Museums, Libraries and Arts Council)EEMLAC, the East of England Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, is!working to!supportand develop an inclusive, high quality museums, libraries and archives sector central to the life ofthe region, using creativity, learning and collaboration to ensure best practice delivery. Inaddition, EEMLAC promotes the!part played by a vibrant MLA sector to the region’s economic,cultural, social and educational life. EEMLAC is a registered charity core funded by MLA: theMuseums, Libraries and Archives Council.

APPENDIX 4: HE Questionnaires


MAPPING OF LIBRARY SERVICES INEAST OF ENGLAND: HEI Library ServiceLISU is currently mapping Library and Information Services in the East of England on behalf of the East ofEngland Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (EEMLAC). The aim is to cover all sectors, todemonstrate the richness of provision within the region and help with planning for support of services.

Please complete this brief questionnaire so that coverage of HE libraries can be as complete as possible.Personal and commercially sensitive information will be used by EEMLAC staff only and will not bepublished.

For further information contact Suzanne Lockyer • LISU • Loughborough University •Loughborough • Leicestershire • LE11 3TU • tel 01509 223264 • email [email protected]

A. About your library service

Name of library service Tel

Fax e-mail

Number of site libraries (including main library)

B. Staff

Head of library service Name: Job title:

Tel: e-mail:

Library service staff (all sites)Please enter FTE and/or number against each applicable category FTE Number

Professional

Para professional

Other

Volunteers

Staff developmentAre any members of library staff currently training for formal qualifications in library/information related subjects?

No Yes Number of Professional staff in training:

Number of Para-professional staff in training:

Number of other staff in training:

C. UsersPlease outline who can use library services and any restrictions, e.g reference only, or fee payable.

D. Stock – all sitesGeneral stock (excluding electronic sources)

Loan/Number Reference/Number Reserve/Number Total/Number

Books

Journals

Audio (all formats)

Video (all formats)

Photographs

Illustrations

Maps

Microforms

Other (describe)



Electronic sourcesAccessNumber

Library only On site Off sitee-journalse-booksdatabases

E. Policy and strategyPublicationsPlease give references of any publications produced by the library; include details of format (i.e print and/or online) andprice. Attach separate list if available.

Does the library service have a strategic plan?

No oYes o Please provide brief details, including availability e.g online, hard copy, to buy, free of charge.

Is the library service a member of any co-operative networks?

No o Yes o (please give details, e.g name and nature of network

Do you have a member of staff with special responsibility for any of the following? If yes, please provide contactdetails. Provide additional details if you wish.

No Yes Contact name; telephone; e-mail

New users

Internet use

Outreach activities

Any other comments.

Thank you



MAPPING OF LIBRARY SERVICES INEAST OF ENGLAND: HEI Library ServiceLISU is currently mapping Library and Information Services in the East of England on behalf of the Eastof England Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (EEMLAC). The aim is to cover all sectors, todemonstrate the richness of provision within the region and help with planning for support of services.

Please complete this brief questionnaire so that coverage of HE libraries can be as complete as possible.Any personal or commercially sensitive information will be used by EEMLAC staff only and will not bepublished.


Please complete a copy of this form for each site library (including main library)

A. About your library


Fax e-mail

B. Staff – site only

Head of library Name: Job title:

Tel: e-mail:

Library staffPlease enter FTE and/or number against each applicable category FTE Number

Professional

Para professional

Other

Volunteers





C. Stock – site onlyGeneral stock (excluding electronic sources)

Loan/Number Reference/Number Reserve/Number Total/Number

Books

Journals

Audio (all formats)

Video (all formats)

Photographs

Illustrations

Maps

Microforms

Other (describe)

Electronic sources

AccessNumber

Library only On site Off site

e-journals

e-books

databases



Please outline any special facilities for users with disabilities.

Can users access the internet from the library?

Yes o No o

Special collectionsPlease give brief details of any special collections, e.g number & format of items, availability of catalogue (e.g online,published), conditions of use (e.g by appointment, library members only). Attach a separate list if available.

Are your library buildings currently accessible in line with DDA regulations

Yes o No o Please give brief details.

Any additional comments

Thank you

APPENDIX 5: FE Questionnaire


MAPPING LIBRARY SERVICES INEAST OF ENGLAND: FE Library ServiceLISU is currently mapping Library and Information Services in the East of England on behalf of the Eastof England Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (EEMLAC). The aim is to cover all sectors, todemonstrate the richness of provision within the region and help with planning for support of services.Please complete this brief questionnaire so that coverage of FE libraries can be as complete aspossible. Any personal or commercially sensitive information will be used by EEMLAC staff only and willnot be published.

For further information contact Suzanne Lockyer • LISU • Loughborough University •Loughborough • Leicestershire • LE11 3TU • tel 01509 223264 • email [email protected] pre-paid envelope is enclosed for return of completed forms

A. About your library


Fax e-mail

Address

B. Library Staff

Head of library Name: Job title:

Tel: e-mail:

Library staffPlease enter FTE and/or number against each applicable category FTE Number

Professional

Para professional

Other

Volunteers





Other comments

C. UsersPlease outline who can use library services and any restrictions, e.g reference only, or fee payable.



General stock (excluding electronic sources)Loan/Number Reference/Number Reserve/Number Total/Number

Books

Journals

Audio (all formats)

Video (all formats)

Photographs

Illustrations

Maps

Microforms

Other (describe):

Electronic sourcesAccessNumber

Library only On site Off site

e-journals

e-books

databases

Which library services are available via the internet? Please indicate if any services are publicly available (e.gcatalogue)

Please outline any special facilities for users with disabilities.

Special collectionsPlease give brief details of any special collections, e.g number & format of items, catalogue (e.g online, published, onrequest), conditions of use (e.g by appointment, library members only). Attach separate list if available.



E. Policy and strategyPublicationsPlease give references of any publications produced by the library; include details of format (i.e print and/or online) andprice. Attach separate list if available.

Does the library service have a strategic plan?

No oYes o Please provide brief details, including availability e.g online, hard copy, to buy, free of charge.

Is the library service a member of any co-operative networks?

No o Yes o (please give details, e.g name and nature of network

Do you have a member of staff with special responsibility for any of the following? If yes, please provide contactdetails. Provide additional details if you wish.

No Yes Contact name; telephone; e-mail

New users

Cultural diversity

Disability

Social inclusion

Adult learners

Basic skills

Internet use

Other comments

Are your premises currently accessible in line with DDA regulations?

Yes o No o Please give brief details.

Thank you

APPENDIX 6: Schools Questionnaire


MAPPING OF LIBRARY SERVICES INEAST OF ENGLANDLISU is currently mapping Library and Information Services in the East of England on behalf of the Eastof England Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (EEMLAC). The aim is to cover all sectors, todemonstrate the richness of provision within the region and help with planning for support of services.

Please complete this brief questionnaire so that coverage of school libraries can be as complete aspossible. All information is confidential and will be used by EEMLAC for strategic planning and supportfor library staff within the region. Data will not be made publicly available.

A prepaid envelope is enclosed for the completed questionnaire. Please return by.


A. About your school

1. Name of school Tel

2. Address

E-mail

3. Postcode

B. Library staff

1. Name of person in charge of the school library

2. Is he/she a:Please tick applicable category

Chartered/qualified librarianQualified library assistant

e.g holding City and Guilds or NVQ in Information and Library Services

Administrative staffTeacher/librarian

holding qualifications in teaching and librarianship

Teacher

3. Other paid library staffPlease enter FTE and/or number against each applicable category FTE Number

Chartered/qualified librarian

Teacher/librarian

Teacher

Qualified library assistant

Administrative staff

4. Volunteers Please give brief details of any contribution by volunteers to provision of library services

NumberApprox hours

worked per week

Pupils

Parents

Other

APPENDIX 6: Schools Questionnaire


5. Staff development Are any members of library staff currently training for formal qualifications in library/information related subjects?

No Yes (please give brief details)

C. Library stock1. General stock (please give number of items in each category)

Loan/number Reference/number Total/number

Books

Journals

Audio

Video

Other: please describe

2. Electronic sources(please give brief details of any electronic sources available eg. CD-ROMs, electronic books etc.)

3. Special collections(please give brief details of any special collections held in the library, including local history)

D. Library activities1. Please outline curriculum related activities carried out by library staff

2. Please outline any out of hours activities carried out by library staff (including volunteers)

3. Who can use the school library (please tick all that apply)

Pupils Teachers Other school staff General public

Other (please specify)

APPENDIX 7: Specials Questionnaire


MAPPING LIBRARY SERVICES INEAST OF ENGLANDLISU is currently mapping Library and Information Services in the East of England on behalf of the East ofEngland Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (EEMLAC). The aim is to cover all sectors, todemonstrate the richness of provision within the region and help with planning for support of services.Please complete this brief questionnaire so that coverage of specialist libraries can be as complete aspossible. Any personal or commercially sensitive information will be used by EEMLAC staff only and willnot be published. Please return by


A. About your organisation

Name of organisation Tel

Address Fax

E-mail

URL

Postcode

B. Information Service/Library Staff

Main Contact Name: Job title:

Tel: e-mail:

Qualifications:

Other information/library staffPlease enter FTE and/or number against each applicable category FTE Number

Professional

Para professional

Other

Volunteers

Staff developmentAre any members of info/library staff currently training for formal qualifications in library/information related subjects?

No Yes (please give brief details)

C. Information service/library stock and servicesGeneral stock (excluding electronic sources)

Number Number

Books&pamphlets Other (please describe)

Journals

Audio (all formats)

Video (all formats)

APPENDIX 7: Specials Questionnaire


Electronic sourcesPlease give number of databases and e-journals provided, and who can access them e.g staff/members only

Databases Number: Access:

e-journals Number: Access:

Other (please outline any other services provided electronically)

Special collectionsPlease give brief details of any special collections, e.g number & format of items, availability of a catalogue to the collection(e.g online, published, internal use only), conditions of use of the collection (e.g staff only, by appointment etc). Attachseparate list if available.

PublicationsPlease give references of any publications produced by the information service; include details of format (i.e print and/oronline) and price. Attach separate list if available.

Who can use the information service/library? e.g staff/members only; general public; Please give any restrictions, e.greference only, fee payable, by appointment.

Please give details of any educational/outreach initiatives

Are your premises currently accessible in line with DDA regulations?

Yes o No o (please give details)

Is the information service a member of any co-operative networks?

No o Yes o (please give details)

Does the information service/library have a strategic plan?

No o Yes o (please give details of availability e.g online/print or for internal use only)

Any additional comments. Attach separate sheets if required.

Thank you

mapping libraries and information services in the …...mapping libraries and information services...

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