THE CHANGING-ROLE OF THE REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEMS

The UK Regional Library Systems date from the 1930s when they were set up to develop union catalogues and organize regional interlending. Du ring 60 years of development their role has broadened and they have de veloped a variety of added-value services. Their original purpose is s till important although modified in the light of developments such as BLDSC and automation. They are centrally placed to play a key role in working out the effects of local government reorganization, in acting as agencies through which the proposed National Library and Informatio n Commission could operate, and in protecting the interests of users d uring a period of change.