A History of Libraries in Britain and Ireland describes the development of libraries in Great Britain and Ireland over some 1500 years, and their role as a part of the social, intellectual and cultural history. In addition to obvious links with the history of books and literature, the volumes include consideration of education, technology, social philosophy, architecture and the arts, as they have affected libraries. The significant international dimension, which has affected British and Irish libraries from the Middle Ages to the present, receives due attention. Libraries vary enormously in size and purpose; they have often developed in ways which could not have been foreseen by their founders. A History of Libraries in Britain and Ireland seeks to trace these patterns of development as well as studying individual libraries and types of libraries, and in this way to illuminate not only libraries and their users but also the wider history of the British isles. Only in understanding their purpose and their context can the role of libraries be properly comprehended. Other themes considered in each volume include the housing, storage and maintenance of books and other material; the individuals responsible for their care and those who used them; developments in provision, organization and cataloguing; and the principles and attitudes - of librarians and users - which such developments reflect.

• General Editors: Peter Hoare, University of Nottingham