Library evaluation and pulic policy: a French view

Abstract

Stresses the general political and specific public policy issues impinging on the activity of library evaluation, with particular reference to the evaluation process undertaken by Fresnes Public Library, France. Concludes that the process of evaluation presupposes the setting of objectives and therefore must involve in depth analyses of the social functions that can be expected of public libraries, involving the consideration of: management and public policy; the public interest; library management and democracy; definition and choice of objectives and indicators.