10/7 公共圖書館

 IFLA Public Library Service Guidelines
 - The mission and purposes of the public library [公共圖書館的任務與目標]

1.1 Introduction 

This chapter is a general statement(一般性發言) on the mission (as defined and mandated(授權) by IFLA/UNESCO 1994, Appendix 1) and purpose of the public library. The key issues reviewed are developed in greater detail in later chapters. 

1.2 Defining the public library

 Public libraries are a world-wide(世界各地的) phenomenon. Libraries occur in a variety of societies, in differing cultures and at different stages of development. Although the varied contexts in which libraries operate inevitably(必將) result in differences in the services provided, and the way those services are delivered(交付), libraries normally have characteristics in common, which can be defined as follows. A public library is an organisation established, supported and funded(資助) by the community, either through local, regional or national government or through some other form of community organisation. It provides access to knowledge, information, lifelong learning, and works of the imagination(想像力) through a range of resources and services and is equally(一樣) available to all members of the community regardless(不論) of race, nationality, age, gender, religion, language, disability, economic and employment status and educational attainment(素養). 

1.3 The purposes of the public library 

The primary(主要) purpose of the public library is to provide resources and services in a variety of media to meet the needs of individuals(個人) and groups for education, information  and personal development including recreation(娛樂) and leisure. They have an important role in the development and maintenance of a democratic(民主的) society by giving the individual access to a wide and varied range of knowledge, ideas and opinions. 

The Council(評議會) for Public Libraries initiated a new vision statement for Finnish public libraries, “The Library is a meeting place of people and ideas. Library: Inspiring, Surprising, Empowering(賦權).” The Guidelines and Standards for Queensland(昆士蘭) Public Libraries were designed to improve current procedures(程序) and provide achievable goals for the public libraries in Queensland, Australia. The standards are seen as a guide towards achieving ‘best practice’ for those responsible for the management of public library services (see Appendix 6).