Libraries for all? Visions, challenges and economic realities in Norwegian libraries

Abstract

The paper discusses visions and realities concerning access for all and bridging the digital divide in recent Norwegian governmental reports on libraries. The main issues in the inquiry are the libraries’ role in lifelong learning, increasing information literacy among children, senior citizens and immigrant population, and how to provide these services in times of financial crisis, budget cuts and decreasing resources. The investigation attempts to reveal the realism in the government’s plans. The government’s budget proposal for 2010 indicates willingness to implement the commitments in the governmental reports, with some important exceptions. The small amounts allocated to competence building and model libraries, together with the rejection to fund the digital reference Ask the librarian service (Biblioteksvar.no) are contrary to the expectations in the Norwegian library community.