Abstract
This paper reviews the contribution of public libraries to the development of hospital library services in Great Britain over the quarter century following promulgation of the 1946 National Health Service Act. It analyses the administrative and financial problems which arise when different types of authority negutiate and shows how various interest groups have sought to exert their influence on policy derisiotis. The effect of surveys and special studies is also shown. Local authority filrs and other unpublished sources have been used to provide first-hand examples of some of the administrative processes involved in providing joint services. The current move towards regionally-based integrated medical and patients' libraries will not diminish the need for public library participation.
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