This paper describes some of the results of two brief questionnaires sent to local authority social services departments in 1974. Given the shortcomings of the questionnaires and the fact that the data are not susceptible to tests of significance, the results reveal wide variation in the nature of information services provided within these departments, a low level of public library involvement in specific information problems of the social services, and a very "passive" service from those public service libraries which are involved. The data also reveal a relatively low level of awareness of the value of external agencies as possible providers of information.
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References
1.
INFROSS (Investigation into information requirements of the social services) (1971). The information needs of social workers. Bath: University Library. (Research report no. 4.)
2.
Mann, M.G. and Wilson, T.D.Forum on social welfare library/information researchReport of proccedings together with background papersSheffield, Postgraduate School of Librarianship and Information Science, 1974.
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McCulloch, J.W. et al. A national social worker inter-disciplinary study of reading behaviour and helpful factors in professional practice. Bradford, University of Bradford, 1971 (Unpublished.)
