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Regrets the disappearance of library history from the curricula of library schools. Reports the good work done by the Library History Group of the Library Association since its inception over 30 years ago, but suggests that membership of the Group is too low. More interest in its work should be shown by Library Association members. Deplores the wanton discarding of historical records by present‐day librarians and suggests that all libraries should maintain and develop an archive of their own history and progress. Between now and the advent of the next century there will be many anniversaries, offering opportunities for further research, building on what has already been done. Recommends and lists some source materials, useful for beginners in the study of library history.

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.

This report has been part of the work of the Survey of Sources for American Studies in the United Kingdom, a research group which was established in October 1956 by the British Association for American Studies aided by a generous grant from the United States Information Service. The Survey decided that it could attempt two things of potential use to teachers of American History and American Literature in this country: firstly, to compile a Guide to manuscripts relating to America in Great Britain and Ireland; and, secondly (the matter of this report), to find out how adequate are the resources of libraries in the United Kingdom to support the teaching of American history and also of American literature in the universities.

LOCAL history achieved academic respectability in 1947 with the establishment of the Department of Local History at the University of Leicester. No longer need the local historian feel ashamed of his craft or regard himself as a writer of footnotes to another's history.

Local history activities are becoming an important function of public libraries in the United States. Librarians are recognizing that they must play a leading role in preserving the records that embody the unique heritage of their communities. This role is especially important in communities that lack a well‐staffed historical museum. Because the library is freely open to all and tends to have more hours and facilities for servicing the information needs of the general public, it can be the ideal interface between historical materials, historical museums, societies, and historians, and the people in the community. Often historical societies lack the staff, funds, and facilities to function effectively as an information place for the average citizen. Cooperation between libraries and historical societies is essential and should be nurtured by both agencies. It is not uncommon to find that the librarian is an active member of the historical society—sometimes even functioning as the town historian.

Discusses the development of local history collections within libraries in Sierra Leone.

The article is a reflective viewpoint.

That there is a growing interest in local history collections in libraries in Sierra Leone, and that more formal structures should be put in place to safeguard these materials for the future.

Proposes some ways forward for ensuring the long term viability of local collections in Sierra Leone.

The article is the first on the topic of local history collections in Sierra Leone's libraries, and should be of interest to librarians around the world who have an interest in local history librarianship.

AS J. L. Hobbs shows so clearly in his recent book, the interest in local history is growing enormously at present. The universities, training colleges and schools, as well as the institutions of further education, are all making more use of local studies—geographical, economic, social and historical—in their regular courses, in their advanced work, and in their publications.

The following classified, annotated list of titles is intended to provide reference librarians with a current checklist of new reference books, and is designed to supplement the RSR review column, “Recent Reference Books,” by Frances Neel Cheney. “Reference Books in Print” includes all additional books received prior to the inclusion deadline established for this issue. Appearance in this column does not preclude a later review in RSR. Publishers are urged to send a copy of all new reference books directly to RSR as soon as published, for immediate listing in “Reference Books in Print.” Reference books with imprints older than two years will not be included (with the exception of current reprints or older books newly acquired for distribution by another publisher). The column shall also occasionally include library science or other library related publications of other than a reference character.