The article briefly traces the origins of the division of library staff into professional and non-professional. It then examines in more detail three aspects of the present situation of non-professional staff, namely the duties they perform, their career prospects and their education and training. A study of the relationship between professional and non- professional suggests the need for change, change which in some ways will be to the benefit of both groups. Specifically the author sees the need for a reduction in the proportion of professional to non-professional staff with the development of an improved career structure for non-professionals.
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