Home | Information Services for social and 
economic development (Summary)
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SUMMARY

SCOPE
This guideline deals with the way libraries, in co-operation with other organisations, support economic and social development by providing high-level information services.

POLICY ISSUES
"Knowledge, skills and information are becoming more important to our lives economically, socially and as citizens. Libraries have a central role to play in ensuring everyone has access to the resources, information and knowledge they need." (Framework for the future: libraries, learning and information in the next decade. DCMS, 2003). Equality of access to information and to learning is vital if everyone is to have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. As we move towards a more knowledge-based society driven by digital technologies, the need to ensure access to information for everyone adds a new dimension.

Libraries, museums and archives help to develop a strong local economy by supporting local business and industry. An important aspect of economic development involves attracting tourism and inward investment. Museums and archives as well as libraries can contribute to promoting the region to the rest of the world.

Public libraries have always offered information services, and some have offered specialised services e.g. business information, local studies, music, etc. ICT has changed these services exponentially, both in terms of the content and method of delivery. Access can now be provided to information from all over the world, at great speed, via sophisticated delivery channels.

The demanding nature of information work requires trained and experienced staff, and some staff will require specialised and technical knowledge.

GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES

• In the digital era consideration needs to be given to how users communicate enquiries to the library and facilities made for all kinds of electronic means as well as traditional.
• The access needs of disabled people must also be catered for.
• Technology should be used to provide seamless access to a range of information.
• Information should be accessible round the clock.
• People will not necessarily know the range of information services the library can provide, so marketing will be necessary.
• Staff should be well-trained and knowledgeable about how the world operates, and some staff with specialised skills may be needed.
• Libraries should co-operate with each other, and with other networks of organisations which provide advice, training and assistance.

FUTURE AGENDA

• Information will increasingly be available in digital formats.
• The use of live interaction software will increase as a means of communicating with users.
• People will require information to be tailored to their requirements.
• Information services will be available round the clock, increasingly provided by networks of libraries which can call on the skills and resources of libraries, museums and archives around the globe and from the academic, special and research sector as well as the public sector.

Home | Information Services for social and 
economic development (Summary)
Full Text: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4