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APPENDICES

Appendix A: Section 2, Library Materials, Multicultural Communities: Guidelines for Library Service, 2nd Edition, Revised, 1996 (IFLA)

2. - Library Materials

2.1 Library materials should be provided for all, in their preferred languages and relating to their own cultures.

(a) An effective, balanced and substantial collection should be maintained for each linguistic and cultural minority group.

(b) The provision of library materials for members of minority groups should be related to the size of the group and its reading needs.

(c) Such provision should be at the same per capita level as for the population in general. However, it should be recognized that for small groups, a higher per capita provision than is generally applied might be necessary to provide an effective and equitable service.

(d) Library materials provided for linguistic and cultural minorities should include both materials published within the country of residence and elsewhere.

(e) Library materials reflecting the experiences and interests of the minority group, and intended for use by them should include materials published in the majority or official language where that is used or understood by members of the minority group.

(f) Library materials should include material in languages widely used as second languages.

2.2. Periodicals and newspapers provided for linguistic and cultural minorities should be provided at the same per capita level as for the general population.

2.3 Books, including books with large print, provided for ethnic, linguistic and cultural minorities should be provided at the same per capita level as for the general population.

2.4 Sound recordings are an integral part of library service to minority groups, and should be provided at the same per capita level as for the general population.

2.5 Digital information and video recordings have become an essential part of library service and should be provided for at the same per capita level as for the general population. Videos should be available in the local national standard format.

2.6 When national copyright laws restrict the use of videos and other materials in electronic format for public lending, negotiations with copyright holders should take place at a national level.

2.7 It is appropriate and desirable for libraries to provide other materials than those specified above. Such materials include laser discs, CD-ROM products, maps, pictures and projected media. Where such provision is made, the materials provided should cater to all ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups within the community.

2.8 Libraries with networked databases or Web sites should assure global access to these services.

2.9 Where there is a lack of any one type of library material, the increased provision of other appropriate materials or services should be considered as an alternative.

2.10 Where there is a lack of print material, a low reading level in a minority community or a significant level of illiteracy, non-print materials, in particular sound and video recordings, should be emphasized if they are available.

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