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This seminar explored the history of Business Libraries in Scotland. It discussed the development in the provision of library and information services for Scottish industry in the twentieth century. This seminar is part of a series run by the History of Libraries in Scotland and is sponsored by the Scottish Centre for the Book at Edinburgh Napier University and the Library and Information History Group (CILIP). John Coll is Head of Access and Enquiries at the National Library of Scotland. John managed the Scottish Business Information Service at the National Library between 1989 and 2009.
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A brief history of business libraries in Scotland
John CollHead of Access & EnquiriesNational Library of Scotland
Outline of talk
Look at the factors that have influenced business information provisionExplore the routes to accessFocus on the key changesConsider the future
Visible change or continuity?
Scotland: the PEST factors
Routes to access
• Public Libraries• Academic Libraries• National Library• Special Libraries• Government/business support
agencies
Public Libraries
Stormy days ahead for public libraries?
Academic Libraries
Specialist or generalist?
National Library of Scotland
Radical change or more of the same?
Special Libraries
Changing times for special libraries?
Government/ Business support
agencies
Friend or foe of libraries?
Summary
The history of business libraries mirrors the changes that have effected all libraries Business libraries that have survived or even prospered are those that have managed to transform their role in the light of changing user needs and technology
The future?
Technology is marginalising the need for intermediaries Context still remains kingPublic libraries need to redefine their role to remain active in this area Special libraries need to move up the value-chain to remain relevant Business support agencies continue to influence change
