“We welcome and support all people in their enjoyment of reading and pursuit of lifelong learning. Working together, we strive to provide equal access to information, ideas and knowledge through books, programs and other resources. We believe in the freedom to read, to learn, to discover.”
CPL developed a five-year plan based on the principles in the new mission statement. Their hope was to improve in the areas they felt were lacking or were not in harmony with the new mission statement. CPL now reports that library services have expanded across the city to meet the challenge of “providing free and equal access to library services for all.”
The example of the Chicago Public Library is important when considering the purpose of a public library. Many mission statements have been drafted in the history of public libraries, but CPL’s revised version highlights three key issues for public libraries: lifelong learning, equal access, and freedom. These issues also show up in the characteristics of all American public libraries in Richard E. Rubin’s book Foundations of Library and Information Science:
1. Supported by taxes.
2. Governed by a board.
3. Open to all.
4. Voluntary.
5. Established by state law.
6. Provides services without charge to the user.
These characteristics are important because they differentiate the library from many other public institutions. The public library is built around the fact that anyone in the community is welcome to use the library services if he or she chooses to do so. However, it is important to note that library use is completely voluntary. People are under no obligation to use library services. Unlike compulsory education, the public library is open for those who choose to use it.
The idea of equal access to all implies several things for public libraries. First, services must be available for free so as not to discriminate against those who could not afford the charges. In accord with this, public libraries lend books, assist patrons, and provide programming without charge. Also those services should be available at a variety of reasonable times and locations in order for all community members to be able to use the services.
Second, equal access means that all community members must feel welcome in the library. The library is a place where anyone can come to read, research, or learn. There should be no restrictions of library use based on age, gender, disability, or other factor.
