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The growth of interest in local history shows no sign of dying down. Public libraries have clearly been affected by the increasing number of people who use them and by the foundation of new societies and journals. Equally great, but perhaps less obvious, is the impact made by certain specific developments. Local history is now integrated into the educational curriculum at all levels, it is the subject of radio and television programmes and has grown in popularity with publishers of monographs. The ways in which local studies libraries have been affected by these factors are examined. Public libraries are concentrated on, though there is some reference to local collections in academic libraries. In conclusion, it is suggested that staff should be specifically allocated to an education service and to media liaison work, and that one librarian should specialise in acquisitions.

Local collections in public libraries are an essential resource for local and family historians. Suggests that librarians need relevant knowledge derived from a systematic training programme. Identifies the staff who need training, reviews existing provisions and suggests ways of structuring a training programme. Argues that local and family history should form a major component in career development to ensure that standards of service reflect the importance of local collections.