Libraries and information services in Gozo : experiences in an insular setting

Abstract

The pattern of library provision which has developed and stabilised itself in Gozo, is presently being offered the challenge of assuming a more leading role, by providing those services, which are the backbone of nation's educational and technological developrnent. This phenomenon can best be appreciated by analysing the impact of the recent maltese socio-economic changes, in so far as they have created new and pressing demands on library and information services, and by an examination of those situations which have hitherto hindered effective library promotion. In these circumstances, the local library profession badly needs a factual and critical appraisal of the overall situation. But this however, can only be built on an identification of the present library and information service in Gozo, followed by a critical evaluation of its impact vis-a-vis the needs of the community. This dual analysis will be the basic platform for discussing the emergent challenges for librarianship in Gozo, and how the local profession can evolve from its present entrenchment of collections maintenance towards a deeper promotion of efficient information service. But this achievement can only be attained in stages, depending on how much the profession identifies the needs of various sectors, of the community; on whether it is able to curtail the manpower and staff training problems; its ability of providing quick and essential information especially through automated services; its sensitivity towards user awareness; and its aptitudes towards the formulation of a network co-ordinating the present isolationist policies.