The Information Centre/Special Library
This unit provides an introduction to working in an information centre or special library. The programme is suitable for information or library assistants who are starting out in their careers, and for those outside the information management profession who need a structured approach to working in or running special information services.

On completing the unit, students will be able to:

• identify the major sectors within which information centres/special libraries operate
• explain the functions and purposes of information centres/special libraries
• describe the relationship of information centres/special libraries to their parent organisation
• describe management and organisational considerations relevant to information centres/special libraries
• identify users of information centres/special libraries and their information needs
• explain the basic principles of information technology
• apply different methods of promoting information centres/special libraries

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1 Introduction

1.1 Objectives of unit
1.2 Distance learning
1.3 Organisation
1.4 Assessment procedures

2 Special libraries

2.1 Definitions
2.2 History of special libraries
2.3 Functions and purposes

3 Serving the organisation

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Government and civil service libraries
3.3 Industrial and business libraries
3.4 Research association libraries
3.5 Professional and learned association libraries
3.6 Hospital libraries
3.7 Mass media libraries
3.8 Your organisation

4 Analysing users needs

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Identifying user groups
4.3 Using questionnaires
4.4 Information needs

5 Management issues

5.1 Government and control of special libraries
5.2 Staffing of special libraries
5.3 Sources of finance
5.4 Aims and purposes
5.5 Evaluating the service

6 Computer systems

6.1 Introduction
6.2 What computers do
6.3 Components of a computer system
6.4 Types of computer
6.5 Software
6.6 Modes of computer processing
6.7 Computer systems
6.8 Local area networks (LANs)
6.9 Telecommunications

7 Promoting the library

7.1 Introduction
7.2 Public relations
7.3 Library guides
7.4 Advertising
7.5 Extension activities

8 Conclusion

8.1 Summary of unit
8.2 Moving forward

Assignments