SPECIAL LIBRARY

Vergara, Roger I A.
Enam, Jecel
Definition of a Special Library

• A special library is a type of library that focuses on specific

subjects or areas of study.
•
• Unlike public or academic libraries, special libraries cater to
specialized information needs of certain groups, like
professionals or researchers.
•
• Examples: Law libraries, medical libraries, or corporate
libraries.
•
 Historical Development

• Special libraries first appeared in the 19th century, growing as

businesses and professional organizations needed specialized
information.
•
• Their development was driven by industrial growth,
technological advancements, and professional expertise.
•
• Today, they serve specialized sectors such as government,
healthcare, and education.
•
 Objectives of Special
Libraries
•
• Provide access to specialized information and resources.
•
• Support the information needs of specific user groups.
•
• Enhance knowledge in a particular field or profession.
•
• Promote research and development in specialized areas.
•
Functions of Special Libraries
•
• Acquiring and managing specialized collections.
•
• Offering reference and research support.
•
• Curating and preserving materials relevant to their field.
•
• Providing access to databases and other digital resources.
•
 Collections in Special
Libraries
•
• Specialized materials such as books, journals, reports, and
databases related to a specific field.
•
• May include rare or hard-to-find resources.
•
• Digital collections are common, with a focus on up-to-date
information.
•
 Staffing in Special Libraries

• The staff of a special library typically

consists of various roles designed to support
the library's specialized functions and
services. Below are the key positions and
their responsibilities:
 1. Head Librarian / Library
Director
•
• The head librarian is responsible for the overall management
of the library, including strategic planning, policy
implementation, and budgeting.
•
• In special libraries, the head librarian must have specialized
knowledge in the specific subject area (e.g., law, medicine)
that the library serves.
•
• Typically, the head librarian is required to have a master's
degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) and be a
licensed professional under Republic Act No. 9246.
 2. Subject Specialist
Librarians
•
• These librarians focus on specific subjects relevant
to the institution, such as legal information in a law
library or medical resources in a health science
library.
•
• They provide in-depth research assistance and
curate specialized collections that cater to the
library's niche audience.
•
 3. Technical Services
Librarian
•
• Responsible for cataloging, classifying, and
processing new materials.
•
• They manage the library's database systems,
electronic resources, and overall information
organization.
•
• They may also supervise digitization projects and
maintain digital repositories.
 4. Reference Librarians
•
• Provide assistance to users in locating and using
specialized resources.
•
• Offer guidance on research strategies, database
navigation, and how to effectively access the
information they need.
•
• In special libraries, reference librarians often work
closely with subject specialists.
•
 5. Support Staff / Library
Assistants
•
• Support staff assists with clerical tasks such as
organizing books, managing circulation desks, and
providing administrative support.
•
• They often manage interlibrary loans, document
delivery, and other day-to-day operations that help
the library run smoothly.
•
 6. IT and Systems Staff
•
• Responsible for maintaining library technologies, including
Integrated Library Systems (ILS), computers, and digital
access points.
•
• In some libraries, the IT staff works directly with the librarian
to ensure all digital tools and platforms are optimized for user
access.
•
• These staff members work together to ensure that the special
library operates efficiently, meeting the needs of its
specialized clientele through targeted services and resources.
 Services Offered by Special
• Libraries
• Reference and research assistance.
•
• Access to specialized databases and electronic
resources.
•
• Document delivery and interlibrary loans.
•
• Customized information services, such as reports
and literature searches.
Philippine Standards for Special
• Libraries
• The Philippine Association of Academic and
Research Librarians (PAARL) provides guidelines.
•
• Standards focus on proper staffing, access to
information, adequate collections, and effective
services.
•
• Emphasize the importance of technology and
professional development in special libraries.
•
 1. Mission and Vision
•
• The mission and vision of a special library
must align with the goals of the parent
organization. These should clearly define
how the library serves its institution's
unique needs, and they should be
prominently displayed within the library and
on its website. The focus is on supporting
the specialized information needs of the
organization's staff and stakeholders.
 2. Administrator
•
• The special library must be managed by a
full-time licensed librarian who possesses
the necessary expertise in the subject areas
relevant to the institution. The librarian
should have management experience, skills
in supervision, and a good grasp of the
specialized resources required for the
library’s clientele.
 3. Human Resources and
Qualifications
•
• Special libraries must employ a head
librarian with a master’s degree in Library
Science or a related field. For every 500
users, there should be at least one licensed
librarian. Support staff should complement
the librarian, and additional librarians are
recommended for increments of 1,000 users
beyond the initial 500.
 4. Size of Population
•
• For an institution with an enrollment of 500
or fewer, the standard is to employ one full-
time licensed librarian and one supporting
staff member. As the population grows, more
librarians and support personnel should be
added following the standards.
•
5. Qualifications of Librarians
•
• Librarians in special libraries are required to
hold a license under the Republic Act 9246,
commonly known as the "Philippine
Librarianship Act of 2003." A master’s
degree in Library Science is also
recommended, particularly for head
librarians. Librarians should be adept in
information technology, communication, and
social skills to interact effectively with both
the institution's staff and external users.
 6. Furniture and Equipment
Standard
• The library should have sufficient and appropriate furniture
and equipment to ensure user comfort and efficiency in
accessing resources. This includes adequate seating, shelves,
tables, and workstations. Furthermore, it should provide
enough computers and internet bandwidth to meet the
average daily user demands. Security measures for equipment
and digital resources should also be considered.
•
• These standards are set to maintain the quality and
functionality of special libraries in the Philippines, ensuring
that they provide relevant, up-to-date services to their specific
clientele.
THAT’S ALL

THANKS……..