Public libraries and their national policies : international case studies

Public Libraries and their National Policies is aimed at practicing librarians and scholars with an interest in public libraries. It examines the various models for providing public library services around the world and discusses differences in such areas as funding sources, standards, regulations and use. At a time when public libraries are facing shrinking budgets and increasing pressure to consolidate or otherwise modify their governance structure, this book provides a timely glimpse into international best practices.

• List of abbreviations p. xi
• About the author p. xv
• 1 Introduction p. 1
• Useful websites p. 6
• References p. 7
• 2 United States p. 9
• Historical background p. 9
• Current framework p. 11
• Legislation and legal structure p. 15
• Conclusion p. 19
• References p. 20
• 3 Canada p. 23
• Historical background p. 23
• Current framework p. 26
• Legislation and legal structure p. 31
• Conclusion p. 34
• Useful websites p. 36
• References p. 36
• 4 South Africa p. 39
• Historical background p. 39
• Current framework p. 42
• Legislation and legal structure p. 45
• Conclusion p. 48
• Useful websites p. 49
• References p. 49
• 5 Senegal p. 53
• Historical background p. 53
• Current framework p. 57
• Legislation and legal structure p. 60
• Conclusion p. 62
• Useful websites p. 63
• References p. 63
• 6 Finland p. 67
• Historical background p. 67
• Current framework p. 70
• Legislation and legal structure p. 71
• Conclusion p. 75
• Useful websites p. 76
• References p. 76
• 7 Sweden p. 79
• Historical background p. 79
• Current framework p. 81
• Legislation and legal structure p. 83
• Conclusion p. 85
• Useful websites p. 86
• References p. 86
• 8 United Kingdom p. 89
• Historical background p. 89
• Current framework p. 92
• Legislation and legal structure p. 94
• Conclusion p. 97
• Useful websites p. 98
• References p. 98
• 9 France p. 101
• Historical background p. 101
• Current framework p. 105
• Legislation and legal structure p. 111
• Conclusion p. 113
• Useful websites p. 113
• References p. 114
• 10 India p. 117
• Historical background p. 117
• Current framework p. 121
• Legislation and legal structure p. 122
• Conclusion p. 124
• Useful websites p. 125
• References p. 125
• 11 Turkmenistan p. 129
• Historical background p. 129
• Current framework p. 130
• Legislation and legal structure p. 132
• Conclusion p. 135
• References p. 136
• 12 China p. 139
• Historical background p. 139
• Current framework p. 142
• Legislation and legal structure p. 143
• Conclusion p. 145
• References p. 146
• 13 Australia p. 149
• Historical background p. 149
• Current framework p. 152
• Legislation and legal structure p. 153
• Conclusion p. 156
• Useful websites p. 157
• References p. 157
• 14 Conclusion p. 161
• Reference p. 166
• Index p. 167