ABSTRACT
The overall purpose of any guide is to inform, but about what and in which manner will vary considerably. Perhaps the most basic but essential and therefore widely produced type of guide, is the one which provides details of where the library and information services is situated, the easiest way of getting to it and accessing the building. The location of staircases, escalators and lifts should be indicated, with clear reference to wheelchair access. The purpose of a subject guide is to introduce the enquirer or any potential user to the range and type of material within a given field and to assist them in making an informed choice of the source most appropriate to meeting their specific need. A subject guide will usually repeat some of the information already presented in the other types of guides already mentioned, especially those on location and layout.
