Libraries and Politics: Where Two Worlds Meet

Abstract

Examines the relationship, particularly in respect of funding, between libraries and both local and central government. Following two decades of financial pressure and retrenchment, public and academic libraries are benefiting from recent government initiatives recognizing and developing their potential; several examples are given. These initiatives have enabled libraries to develop facilities, services and resources beyond the scope of their traditional sources of income, and have fostered new partnerships between libraries and other bodies, both public and private. However, as funding flows to projects and initiatives, cautions on two areas of concern. Firstly, government policy objectives may distort professional priorities, and changes in political climate can alter the specific allocation of resources. Secondly, a method of continuous funding is needed for maintenance of core services and to enable successful projects to be carried forward. The library profession presently enjoys political sympathy and support; it needs to use this to ensure its continuing active engagement in the debate about financing the provision of public services.