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Shropshire County Library serves a predominantly rural area which includes some light industry and contains within its borders the developing new town of Telford. Many of the market towns are situa either in or extremely close to the county boundary, thus leaving a large hinterland with a scattered population. The library has thirty‐two branches and six mobile libraries to serve the county. The only area served by an independent authority is the Borough of Shrewsbury.

Describes the background to the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, together with details of its design philosophy, and the studies which were undertaken to help determine the needs which the library should meet. Describes the context of the New Technopolis Millennium Commission supported landmark project, together with an outline of its costs. The Millennium Library is planned to act as an economic regenerator, as well as a lending and study facility for those in the region. Through the support of the Millennium Commission it is possible for the library to act as a model for other locations, and in particular in relation to its use and development of electronic information services.

Describes the aftermath and losses incurred by the fire which destroyed the Norfolk and Norwich Central Library in 1994. Discusses the short, medium and long‐term decisions which had to be taken on the road to recovery. Discusses recommendations for future fire protection of libraries and also insurance issues. Presents the basic specifications, new technology and funding required for a new Norfolk Library.

Copies of three journals are spread before me. One journal is Rather Old (but Younger than NLW) — the new improved Library Association Record, but the other two are quite new. All arrived at about the same time and have sat for some days on a pile of editorial detritus including a few PR handouts I'd like to handback with appropriate sidelining were it not to give them the attention they seek but don't deserve.

The closing years of the last decade saw the United Kingdom government trying to implement changes which could drastically alter the concept of the public library service in this country. These developments provoked a nationwide reaction from both librarians and the public which was expressed in the national and local press as well as in the anticipated professional sources. In the event the measures taken were not as draconian as feared, but the threat to the public library service remains. These events are chronicled and illustrated.

J D HENDRY, Renfrew's Chief Librarian, writes:

The smiling person on the cover has now left NLW — and was immediately signed up by Jane Jenkins for the Record. I am now Caretaking Editor, for this issue and for March (it seems I am doomed to be Managing Editor or some other euphemism).

All items listed may be borrowed from the Aslib Library, except those marked, which may be consulted in the Library.

THE earliest libraries in any kind of community were run by interested members of the community with enthusiasm but no special training. Their communities asked them for very little more than they could get or do for themselves but did not care to find the time for, and because the librarian was one of their own, but no longer functioning fully in their world, the members of the community tended to have, however loyally or gently, a lower opinion of the man and consequently hisoffice. For the failed academic or businessman this was little less than just, but it was quite unjust to the profession of librarianship.