Research on reader self-service in a public library

Purpose - The paper aims to discuss the course of change and development of reader self-service within public libraries in China. Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes the form of a discussion of the issues. Findings - The paper finds that self-service has compelled librarians to change from "helping readers" to "helping readers to help themselves". Originality/value - The paper examines change and development in the public library service in China and analyses its inevitability and necessity, as well as pointing out some of the inherent problems.