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The role of the public reference library today is unclear. As a result there is a loss of purpose, staff are confused and collections are being weakened or broken up. Examines the history of the large urban reference libraries and the aims and motivations of their protagonists and early librarians. Concludes that many of these aims are still valid. The decline of the reference library coincides with the rise of information science, new service philosophies, and the weakening of public access to our printed heritage. Argues that there is a need to develop regional book and information centres, a need therefore for regional reference libraries.

Eight libraries in the north‐east of England co‐operate to produce data which each can use in their own local government current awareness services. This scheme originated in the wish by members to reduce duplication of effort and to enhance local services in the field of local government information. In attempting to reduce delay and increase coverage, but yet to retain local control and responsiveness, a unique system has been established which exhibits a high degree of flexibility and currency—one which could be used as a model for similar services. The planning and operation of this scheme are described, together with the comments of the participants concerning their use of the data. Some overall observations are made of issues and problems in the general area of co‐operative current awareness services and of how YADLOGIS (the co‐operative scheme discussed) copes with them. In conclusion, some thoughts are voiced on possible inter‐regional and national developments.

THE Conservative Government elected on June 18th last has lost no time in putting into practice its avowed principle of reducing direct taxation. Late in July it flew a kite through an inspired leak showing that it intended to save millions on education, one small part of which would be £10 million, purporting to be “saved” by making readers pay for books borrowed through public libraries. First indications of this were in a story included in The Guardian, Daily Telegraph and other papers, and as this story was not denied by the Government, the Library Association thought it proper to issue a press statement immediately, with the message that the Association was totally opposed to the introduction of such charges.

As a teenager, and beyond, I benefited greatly from the philosophy shelves of my local public library. Later, as a philosophy undergraduate, the local library was useful in different ways. Later still, as a subject specialist librarian, I was responsible for the selection and management of the philosophy shelves in two different library systems. And latterly, as a middle‐manager in an era of reduced prosperity, it has been my sad task to reduce stocks on the philosophy shelves. Such varied experience: as user and provider, as graduate and freewheeler, as bibliophile and hatchet man, has caused me to think much on the subject. What philosophy books should the public library have on its shelves?

The introduction of high density surface mount technology may lead to a number of metallurgical problems. This paper considers two aspects which are currently being actively discussed. Firstly, incompatibility in expansion properties of the materials used and severe thermal cycling may induce creep and fatigue stresses on soldered joints, and the merits of different alloys are considered. Secondly, the necessary thermal treatments such as burn‐in and elevated service temperature can lead to intermetallic compound layer growth between the solder and the metallised layer on components which may be considered a potential source of joint strength reduction. Mention is also made of the different visual appearance of joints to chip components compared with conventional soldered joints.

Against a background of rapidly developing technology and changing social attitudes, there are many different ways of regarding enquiry work. This article focuses on the problem of characterising information and enquiry work, how it relates to traditional reference work, and how it is adapting to the Internet. Issues of co‐operation and government policy are briefly considered.

This chapter explores the notion that paying regular, systematic attention to children's voices in unstructured, open-ended contexts, such as that offered by forest school, may support genuine child-centred practice. It suggests ways in which such practices may be developed even within structured institutional contexts, such as mainstream school. It notes the tendency of the outcome focused dominant model of education to silence children's voices and explores alternative child-centred approaches to education (such as Reggio Emilia), drawing upon the author's experiences both as a teacher and facilitator of a child-led forest school programme. It explores both forest school research and pedagogical practice that amplifies children's voices. Ultimately, it suggests that the practical application of forest school approaches could spread respectful listening practices beyond education and into other childhood disciplines.

The purpose of this paper is to alert students, scholars and librarians to the many recently published works of reference on the life and works of the Brontë family. The paper aims to present an account of new major reference works, which are transforming the nature of Brontë scholarship, giving an insight into the development of literary studies in a field which has reached maturity and provides a benchmark for studies with other classic authors.

The paper takes the form of a literature review set against developing scholarship.

After 150 years of scholarship, Brontë studies have reached a peak of maturity in the areas of biography, bibliography and textual transcription.

The greater reliability of recent texts necessitates a re‐evaluation of biographical and critical studies on the Brontë family. The paper indicates the rigorous standards required in author bibliography.

Librarians need to update their reference collections.

The paper brings together disparate sources to provide a coherent overview.

For over a century, a reference department, or separate reference library, was a standard feature of public libraries. Now, reference departments are being replaced by information services of various kinds and reference librarians have become an endangered species. But an information service is not a reference library. While much has been gained, much, also, has been lost. Six elements of traditional reference work are highlighted as under threat, or worse. Such losses are impoverishing our services and standing.