The role of special libraries in Malta : what future?

Abstract

Special libraries are libraries with specific kinds of service functions and subject specialities, such as art, biology and medicine, geography and cartography, government, science and technology, and social science. These libraries vary in size but all provide specialized services to their clientele. The focus of Special Libraries is, working to satisfy the parent organisation. The mission of Special Libraries is to provide focused information to a defined group of users on an ongoing basis to further the mission and goals of their parent organisation. This long essay aims to identify and evaluate the objectives, organisation and operation of Special Libraries/Librarians in Malta. A questionnaire has been developed to collect the necessary information in order to ascertain what is the role of Special Libraries in furthering knowledge and information within their respective organisation and beyond. This study will focus on the professional competencies required to be a successful information professional in corporate, industrial, governmental, and professional libraries and will bring forward current issues involving Special Libraries/Librarians. It is a survey of ten Special Libraries in Malta.