Module Identifier DSM0110  
Module Title LOCAL STUDIES SERVICES  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Michael D Dewe  
Semester Available all semesters  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment ONE ESSAY (2,500 - 3,000 WORDS) One essay (2,500-3,000 words), from a selection of four essay titles:? *Describe, with examples, the various approaches that have been taken to realise the concept of a `local studies centre?. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages that such centres might have for users, staff and funding authorities.? *Discuss the importance of marketing, promotion and public relations in the provision of a local studies service. *Discuss the importance of a local studies collection management policy. Outline and comment on the main elements it might contain and some of the collection policy issues it seeks to resolve.? *Outline the current and potential impact of information and communications technology for the provision of a local studies service.100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:






Brief description

The Library Association's Local Studies Libraries Guidelines (2002) state that: `The local studies service exists to enable members of local communities to define their identity in terms of their own particular situation - family, home, community, region?. This module explains how this objective can be brought about through the collections and services provided by public library local studies departments. It will also keep students acquire the necessary understanding, knowledge and skills that library and information works need to function successfully in this specialist area. These include management, information retrieval and marketing skills.The Guidelines say also that: `The service should form an integral part of the local information network, providing a clearly signposted point of entry to a wide range of local resources? and students will be given an understanding of this local information network. This network will include archives, museums, art galleries, etc, for, as the Guidelines indicate: `The [public library local studies] collections should complement those of other local services'.

Content

Unit headings with some indicative sub-headings
1 The development of local studies

2 Resource providers

3 The range of sources

4 Management of the local studies service

5 Providing access to the collection

6 Marketing the local studies service

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7