Setting up a special library with limited resources : a case-study of the attorney general's office library

Abstract

The Office of the Attorney General may well be traced back to the times of the Order of St. John. Throughout the years, various changes were made in regards to the responsibilities carried out by this office. Being the main legal advisor of the Government of Malta, this resulted in its wide ranging set of functions in all spheres of Law in Malta. Due to the nature of the work involved, lawyers often need to consult books and other information resources. However, even though one may find more than enough information to go by, there is no form or structure of a library. In view of this, my main aim is to create and set up a fully functional specialised law library, using a library management system which will enable one to keep bibliographic records of what items can already be found within the office premises, if possible replace any lost publications, and keep record of the books' location. This essay will be a step-by-step narration at creating this library system, the obstacles that may arise, and how to best deal and overcome these difficulties with the available limited resources. Furthermore, due consideration will be given to the possible introduction of electronic resources being made available and shared amongst the legal staff.