ABSTRACT
Owing to changes in the study of local history and in the range of users of the local collection, local studies staff have faced a number of challenges, of which the latest is the transformation of information retrieval methods offered by new technology. Because local studies libraries are in a period of transition from paper-based to machine-based retrieval systems, this chapter can only indicate a few likely trends and issues. The importance of information retrieval is reinforced by the local studies Guidelines that make the provision of a comprehensive range of finding aids one of the aims and objectives of the service.
