Press Release – 10 September 2005

Setting Up a Library and Information Service from Scratch

by Sheila Pantry OBE and Peter Griffiths

This eminently practical guide is written to help all those who need to set up a library or information service within their organization, irrespective of subject background or type of organization. It offers support to people who have qualifications but no experience in setting up such a service, and those who have had no training at all. Both authors have had many years’ experience of setting up information services for a wide range of organizations in the UK and many other countries.

The book will hold your hand as you tackle the many tasks and responsibilities needed to create a successful library and information service – irrespective of size – and takes you step by step through the processes involved, including:

• the reasons for setting up a library and information service
• first steps: the information audit
• meeting the information needs of specialists
• establishing the library: premises, design and technical requirements
• staffing: recruitment and management
• managing budgets and finance
• networking and locating sources of information
• acquisition, organization and dissemination: print and electronic
• services to be provided by the library
• sources of support for the library inside and outside the organization
• promotion of the library
• training staff and users.

The book is fully supported by appendices containing useful sample documents, including an information centre brochure and a press release. The authors also supply lists of basic reference books and periodicals; sources and suppliers; key search engines; and a quick guide to library basics such as filing, repairs, loans and reference services. This is a vital guide for anyone, whether an information professional or not, facing the challenge of setting up a library and information service from scratch.

The authors

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.

Setting Up a Library and Information Service from Scratch
by Sheila Pantry OBE and Peter Griffiths
Facet Publishing www.facetpublishing.co.uk
ISBN 1 85604 558 7
£29.95

For other books published by Sheila Pantry and Peter Griffiths see www.sheilapantry.com/books

Also on Amazon see www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1856045587