Research facilities at the University of Malta Library : the librarian's point of view

Abstract

A library's loyalty and responsibility lie mainly with its parent body, and as such its collections and operations should, to a considerable extent, be subservient to the needs of this parent body and reflect its activities. In our instance, where the University is primarily geared to a programme of undergraduate instruction, one would justifiably expect the Library to be primarily, though not exclusively, concerned with undergraduate curricula, and provide book collections and services covering a nucleus of disciplines taught by the various faculties. In this respect, the development of the University Library since its transfer from Valletta twenty years ago, has followed a steady and successful course. A clear acquisitions policy, catering for a range of subjects in the humanities and some of the sciences, coupled with a steady recurrent budget and generous grants ensured a steady and healthy growth, and a consolidation of the collections in all subjects.