Special Libraries

Definition:

“ A special library is broadly one that is neither academic, commercial, national or public. It is intended to serve the needs of a portion of the community requiring detailed information respecting a limited subject field. Users of such a library usually need up to date information promptly. It is a specialized collection funded by an individual or industrial firm, research institution or government department.

Aims:

Provision of information in support of the objective of the parent body.

Users:

Personnel, members or clients of the organization to which the library belongs and their information needs is determined by the type of organization.

Keep up to date.

Specific answer to urgent current questions.

Users may also need retrospective information when beginning a new research project to avoid duplication.

Functions of the Special Library:

Acquisitions-  get to the  activities of the experts working in related fields and the people working in the organization. Books and periodicals as well as reports, patents, standards and specifications, instruction manuals, data sheets, engineering drawings, statistical publications, acts, regulations, conference proceedings and market surveys.

Databases

Small group – talking to users.

In larger organizations – visiting departments and attending meetings

Listening to talks of senior staff on work being done

Study annual projects and research reports.

Taking part in training courses.

Analysing records of enquiries and requests for documents and information.

Special libraries may consist of both published and unpublished  ( internal sources) records produced internally and externally.

Outside sources – research organizations, professional and trade associations, individual subject experts, and even commercial firms  which provide information for a fee.

Record and information storage and retrieval

The emphasis is on flexibility and adaptability to changing needs. Do not use standard classification systems like Dewey. Might develop their own classification scheme, some use an existing classification scheme, and adapt and expand it to suit their needs.

Services:

Lending procedures – needs of the users –keep track of items.

Information services – emphasis is on providing the information itself.

Reference interview

Current awareness service – telephoning, card file of references, preparing bulletin, duplicating tables, routing periodicals

Selective dissemination of information( SDI) service may be offered. – drawing up an interest profile for a user or group of users and then searching the literature at regular periods and noting items that fall under the user’s field of interest. A list of these items can be sent to the user ( or group) at regular intervals.

Instruction in use – new staff and researchers.

Marketing

 Developing channels for obtaining information about the functions, organization, management, and long term plans of the organisation  on a continuing basis.

Emphasis on service.