Adult continuing education and Irish public libraries

Abstract

Reports the findings of an investigation of Irish public libraries to determine the nature and provision of adult continuing education. Points to the merits of a co-ordinated approach to library service, based on a significant population base, as being demonstrably effective in delivering adult continuing education services relative to the effectiveness of service delivery which is achieved, or achievable, by the smaller administrative units which provide the framework within which most Irish public library systems operate. Concludes that inad equate resources and the absence of a co-ordinated response to professional activities across administrative boundaries outside the Dublin area, militate against the practice of quantitative and qualitative public library activity to the degree which has been undertaken within the Dublin public library system.