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This paper aims to explore the dynamic evolution of the integration of three-dimensional (3D) technologies into special libraries. This analysis examines the difficulties and advantages that emerge from this significant shift and emphasises the possibilities for improving research, education and preservation in these specific environments.

This study uses a comprehensive approach, synthesising existing literature and case studies to gain insights into the adoption of 3D technology in special libraries. It also explores the synergy between 3D technology and artificial intelligence (AI) within library services.

This research uncovers a dynamic landscape in special libraries, marked by a growing embrace of 3D technology. Specialised industries and organisations increasingly use this technology to enrich their services, from crafting physical models for in-depth research to safeguarding precious artifacts through digital replication. Challenges include the need for specialised expertise, financial constraints and limitations in access. Notably, the integration of AI enhances user experiences by streamlining search and discovery.

This study adds value to the field by shedding light on the transformative potential of 3D technology and AI in special libraries. It underscores the significance of strategic planning, collaboration, staff training and tailored needs assessments to ensure successful technology integration. This paper’s originality lies in its exploration of emerging trends and the outlook for technology-driven innovation and collaborative endeavours shaping the future of special libraries.

Poor infrastructure facilities, outdated mindsets and lack of exposure among professionals to the latest developments have been bottlenecks against progress in Indian libraries for a long time. Today, with the advent of both information and communication technologies and global competition, the scenario for special libraries in India is changing fast. This paper aims to outline the emerging trends and developments taking place in special libraries in India: it aims to provide an overview of how special libraries in India function, particularly as a younger generation of library professionals is now actively becoming involved in developing new skills and competencies in order to become more customer‐sensitive and customer‐centered.

This is a general review and survey of current development areas in special librarianship.

In most Indian special libraries, features such as Internet resources and other electronic/digital resources, subject gateways and networks and consortia, are fast gaining acceptance. New trends include the development of libraries’ own web sites, the sophisticated application of digital technology, more professional marketing of information products and services, outsourcing, flexi‐workforce, knowledge management and participative management, which are becoming the order of the day.

The paper clearly presents the changes coming in special libraries in India.

The library orientation session is an important marketing tool because it offers the first opportunity for library staff to connect with new clients (Craft and Ballard-Thrower, 2011; Rhoades and Hartsell, 2008). This paper aims to explore library orientation practices in special libraries and information centers with the goal of surveying current practices and identifying guidance for successful orientation program design and delivery.

This study explored library orientation practices in special libraries and information services through an electronic survey. The survey questions were developed based on themes that emerged from case studies on library orientations from the academic library literature. These themes included reasons for library orientation program redesigns, the importance of partnerships in orientation design and delivery and the tools and techniques used in the delivery of orientation sessions.

The results revealed that library orientations are taking place in special libraries, but there is no consistent approach to library orientation delivery. Even within a single library, multiple approaches to library orientations are taken based on client availability, demand and information needs observations of library staff. Participants’ responses were analyzed to develop recommendations for special library orientations. These include developing partnerships (particularly with human resource departments), using technology strategically, considering the timing of orientations for new potential clients in relation to their start as new employees in the host organization, customizing library orientations based on client segment, engaging in ongoing outreach, and being flexible in design and delivery methods.

This study represents a starting step in an exploration of library orientation practices in special libraries. The key limitation of this study was the low response rate leading to small sample size. A larger sample of special libraries would be needed to produce a quantitative analysis of the prevalence of practices with an acceptable degree of statistical significance. Alternately, smaller samples of special libraries organized by characteristics such as size or type (e.g. corporate libraries, law libraries and medical libraries) could be conducted to determine if distinctive trends exist within these special library types.

This study revealed information about key practices and challenges that can be used by special library practitioners seeking to implement or redesign a library orientation program in their library.

While academic and practitioner literature exists detailing library orientation activities in academic and school libraries, there are very few papers on special library orientations. This study fills a gap in the literature by investigating library orientation practices in special libraries and information centers.

AT the very outset of this paper it is necessary to make clear that it is not an attempt to compile an exhaustive bibliography of literature relating to special librarianship. Neither space nor time permit this. In fact, the references given can only claim to be a sample of the wealth of material on the subject and this paper is submitted in the hope that it will stimulate others to more scholarly efforts. Reference numbers throughout this paper refer to items in the ‘Select list of references to the literature of special librarianship’, section 2 onwards.

The aim of this paper is to examine the versatility of the MLIS degree through the lens of special libraries in terms of education, core competencies and benefits. Special libraries show the value of the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree in preparing professionals to work across institutional boundaries in non-library and non-educational organizations and bring their services to the populace in sometimes unexpected places.

The authors first conducted a literature review of special librarians and their skillsets, as well as how to properly define “special library”. They then examined different MLIS programs geared toward special libraries and how library schools prepare special librarians to benefit their organizations.

The conclusion drawn is that possession of an MLIS degree lends a special librarian more credence in the execution of their duties because they have been educated in how to best benefit their institution. While additional subject expertise is an advantage to the special librarian, the skills learned in MLIS degree programs provide an essential foundation.

This is a collaborative view that brings together outside research regarding various types of special libraries and the librarians that work in them in an effort to illustrate the value of the MLIS degree in an original way.

The purpose of this study is to identify the core competencies for librarians working in special libraries. It also measures the competencies of librarians working in special libraries of the Punjab Province against the checklist developed by the Special Library Association (SLA) Task Force. The study also identifies the training needs of librarians working in special libraries and the problems they face in acquiring SLA competencies.

A peer-reviewed questionnaire based on the list of competencies for special librarians prepared by the SLA Task Force was used to collect quantitative data from a targeted population. An online survey was administered to approach the population working in special libraries of Punjab Province. Collected data was analyzed statistically through SPSS software.

A review of literature highlighted the various competencies for librarians working in special libraries (Figure 1). The findings of the study showed that the competencies identified by SLA Task Force are imperative for librarians working in special libraries of Punjab Province. The results showed that librarians working in special libraries of Punjab possessed an intermediate level of competencies identified by the SLA. However, they had a good level of basic professional and interpersonal skills. The study highlights the training needs of librarians working in special libraries to enable them in acquiring relevant competencies.

The study measures the competencies of librarians in special libraries of the Punjab Province. During the data collection phase, it was observed that there were some libraries where the non-professional/supporting staff was deputed, and due to this, data could not be collected from these libraries.

This study has practical implications for librarians and information professionals working in special libraries to acquire the relevant competencies identified by the SLA. This study has identified various competencies areas that are essential for librarians working in special libraries.

Librarians working in any special library can use the results of this study as a checklist to improve their competencies level and work efficiently.

In contrast to other studies conducted on professional competencies of library professionals working in academic libraries, this study particularly identifies and measures the competencies of librarians working in special libraries.

The information presented in this paper is derived from a census conducted in March 1981, and published in 1983. Subjective observation of special libraries in the interim would suggest an overall retrenchment, particularly severe in smaller units. During the decade 1972–81, there appears to have been a net decrease in the number of special library and information service units, though probably a small growth overall in the number of staff in the special library sector, particularly those in qualified posts. Special librarians, as a group, tend to have less professional LIS qualifications than their counterparts in public and academic libraries, but are more likely to have a degree in another field. There has been a considerable growth in the number of staff with qualifications of all types in special libraries during the decade. Women constitute a majority of the staff in posts of all types in special libraries though less so than in academic and public libraries. Nevertheless, there has been a significant growth in the number and percentage of females occupying professional posts in special libraries during the decade, a trend which seems likely to continue, despite a much higher ‘wastage’ of females in the profession. Whereas female special librarians are more likely than males to have a formal LIS qualification, they are less likely to hold non‐LIS degrees. The bulk of ‘information science’ posts are in special libraries and the majority of these are in industry and commerce. Nearly 70% of all special library posts are in the south east of England—a situation that has not changed during the decade.

The purpose of this paper is to assess the current status of special libraries of Bangladesh and their ability to adapt information technology (IT) in various library operations and services.

The study is based on the case study method. A structured questionnaire was distributed among the special libraries of Bangladesh to uncover the status of using IT by those libraries.

Being a developing country, Bangladesh is confronted with certain problems to introduce IT‐based services and other facilities in the special libraries. The study has revealed the embryonic state of IT in the special libraries of Bangladesh.

The paper is an original case study on the application of IT in the Special Libraries of Bangladesh. It will help web researchers to obtain a precise picture of the application of IT in these libraries. It will also help researchers to acquaint themselves with IT applications in libraries in a third world country.

The development of educational programmes for special librarians has been very gradual in America. As recently as 1937 the Training and Recruiting Committee of the Special Libraries Association reported that there was only one library school giving a separate course for special librarians. The inclusion of one or two lectures or units in general courses, visits, field work, or some special adjustment for individual students in thirteen other schools represented all the special library training available at that time. A similar survey made by the Training Committee in 1945 indicates that somewhat less than half of the thirty‐six accredited library schools now have some kind of special library programme and most of the schools have at least one or two lectures, usually given by special librarians, as well as several visits to special libraries in order to acquaint their students with the opportunities in this field and the qualifications desirable.

The study is designed to explore the application of information technology in various operations and services in special libraries in Kuwait.

The data were collected through a questionnaire accompanied by interviews with head librarians in 25 special libraries in Kuwait.

This study provides baseline data on the current status of the application of information and communication technology (ICT). The majority of the libraries are partially automated. The library catalogue was found to be the most popular area for automation. More than one fourth of the libraries are still using manual systems in their library operations and services. Lack of adequate personnel, ICT training programs, and low priority of libraries within their organization are major obstacles for ICT application in special libraries.

This paper will have implications for the development of special libraries in Kuwait. It also indicates existing obstacles, difficulties, suggestion and recommendations for further development.

It is the first study of the status of ICT applications in special libraries in Kuwait. Its findings should help researchers and decision makers to improve the current information infrastructure