   
Public Libraries Section
Country Report: Norway 2001-2002
Torny KjekstadHighlights Archives, Libraries and Museum Authority: In December 2000 the Norwegian Parliament discussed a parliamentary report concerning the future policies for the development of the archive, library and museum sectors in Norway. The parliament report treated each of the three sectors separately, but at the same time it signalised an increase in the co-operative efforts and joint initiative between them. The main goal was to improve their services to society. In order for this development to take place it was necessary not only to strengthen each individual sector, but also promote joint initiatives for co-operation between the sectors. It was stated that some of the principal challenges will be the development within information, communication and technology field. The three organisations that will be merged are the Norwegian Museum Authority, Norwegian Directorate for Public Libraries and the National Office for Research Documentation, Academic and Special Libraries. In order to facilitate a comprehensive, united policy and to develop a policy for the three sectors, a new co-ordinating, governmental appointed institution named "Archives, Libraries, Museum Authority" was established during the spring 2002. A director has been appointed and he has a working group to assist and advise in building up the new organisation . The new organisation will be in operation by January 1, 2003 and will then probably be re-named. The National Library is not a part of the new organisationLibrary Act: As a result of this reorganisation of the library sector the Norwegian Government is working with a revised editon of the Norwegian Library Act of 1985. This act concerns only the public libraries. In this revision the role of the county libraries and the academic/research/special libraries will be looked at."The library umbrella": Eleven library organisations have started a working group with the mission to lobby towards the government, political organisations and politicians. These organisations represent all library fields.Annual statistics: The annual statistics for public libraries 2001 show a minor increase in library visits pr inhabitant. During the period 1992- 2001, there has been a total increase of 16.3 %. In the number for total of loans there is almost no change during the same periode.This confirm what we all know, the public use the library for much more than only loans.Total loans of books have been reduced by 2.7 % from the year 2000, but this reduction is compensated by an increase of 9.9% in loan of other medias. Publications: IFLA Publications 97: The Public Library Service - IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines for Development. Translated into Norwegian by the Norwegian Directorate for Public Libraries. The Norwegian edition is distributed in 2 copies to all Norwegian public libraries.
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