The LIBSCOT file and library historiography

Abstract

Two projects and their interrelationships are discussed. the LIBSCOT file, a microcomputer held directory of library provision in Scotland in the 1890s, and the project to catalogue Scottish 'public' library printed catalogues issued by publicly accessible libranes between 1765 and 1914 (PLPC). The LIBSCOT file consists of 534 records representing all types of library at the period. Although library provision was in some respects comprehensive it was based on small administrative units and underfunding was endemic. PLPC consists of over 900 records which are being converted to machine-readable format. The historiographical implications are analysed