The Development of Library Services: the Basis of their Planning and Assessment

Abstract

The development of library services can most profitably be planned and assessed from the point of view of their contribution to the attainment of agreed national, community and institutional objectives. This contention ( which is being supported by Unesco) is illustrated by reference to the potential role of library services in contributing to the quality of education, particularly in developing countries. There is need for more systematic and informed dialogue between librarians and those professionally concerned with national educational, social, cultural, scientific and economic objectives. This can lead to greater priority being given to the development of appropriate library services. The likelihood that such develop ment will involve greater co-ordination between the services offered by libraries of various kinds is exemplified by reference to recent trends both in developing and in industrialized countries.