During 1998 the Library Association commissioned LISU to undertake a research project, looking for evidence of the support for lifelong learning in the workplace, by workplace libraries.

After developing a questionnaire, in consultation with the LA, LISU conducted a telephone survey. The sample used was the top 250 companies (by sales turnover) in Key British Enterprises. Each respondent was guaranteed anonymity if this was required to take part in the research, and as a result the full report could not be made available. A slightly edited version (the list of companies with details of their libraries, resource centres etc has been removed, as has any reference within the text that might identify a specific organization) is now available for those who are interested in the results of the survey.

The companies who agreed to act as case studies, were all happy for the information to be made public, and the Library Association is very grateful to them for their time and support.

Lyndsay Rees-Jones Professional Adviser, Special Libraries and Information Services.