Authors :
Henry D.S Kinya; Priscah Jepkoech
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 11 - November
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/yjn4sm2j
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/42p73v3x
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10352913
Abstract :
UNESCO has had a very significant role to
play in the development of Public Libraries and
Information Services in developing countries.
UNESCO’s charter of the book and information
resources has become the torch bearer of its zeal for the
development of public libraries. The charter in its
preamble states the essence of book and information
resource; their role in preserving, diffusing, and
disseminating of knowledge. This calls for promotion of
free flow of information by word and image to the
information seekers to realize the objective of UNESCO
i.e. peace, development and promotion of human rights
to all; access and provision of information should be to
all regardless of age, race, gender, religion, nationality,
language or status. Public library should be establish
edunder the law with respect to all human rights toserve
the information and educational needs of all types of
readers without any distinction. Specific services and
materials especially to those who are the minority must
be provided for. Users such as LGBTQ category who
cannot for whatever reason use the regular services and
materials should be considered. Materials and service
provided should include all types of appropriate media
and modern technologies as well as traditional materials.
Public libraries should function as a place for freedom of
information and the collection and services should not be
subjected to any form of ideology, political or religious
censorship. Access to information is basically a human
right which should be upheld by all information
managers in public libraries. Service provision should
not be discriminative, and equality should be held to
every user including the minority such as the LGTBQ
who for some reason may not be able to use mainstream
services. UNESCO emphasises that the importance of
enlisting the help of this minority group of users in
selecting of information materials in public libraries to
ensure that it reflects their interests. The paper discusses
the role of public library in the promotion and provision
of information service to the minority, group specifically
LGBTQ community.
Keywords :
Public Libraries, UNESCO, Minority Users, LGTBQ, Information Services.
UNESCO has had a very significant role to
play in the development of Public Libraries and
Information Services in developing countries.
UNESCO’s charter of the book and information
resources has become the torch bearer of its zeal for the
development of public libraries. The charter in its
preamble states the essence of book and information
resource; their role in preserving, diffusing, and
disseminating of knowledge. This calls for promotion of
free flow of information by word and image to the
information seekers to realize the objective of UNESCO
i.e. peace, development and promotion of human rights
to all; access and provision of information should be to
all regardless of age, race, gender, religion, nationality,
language or status. Public library should be establish
edunder the law with respect to all human rights toserve
the information and educational needs of all types of
readers without any distinction. Specific services and
materials especially to those who are the minority must
be provided for. Users such as LGBTQ category who
cannot for whatever reason use the regular services and
materials should be considered. Materials and service
provided should include all types of appropriate media
and modern technologies as well as traditional materials.
Public libraries should function as a place for freedom of
information and the collection and services should not be
subjected to any form of ideology, political or religious
censorship. Access to information is basically a human
right which should be upheld by all information
managers in public libraries. Service provision should
not be discriminative, and equality should be held to
every user including the minority such as the LGTBQ
who for some reason may not be able to use mainstream
services. UNESCO emphasises that the importance of
enlisting the help of this minority group of users in
selecting of information materials in public libraries to
ensure that it reflects their interests. The paper discusses
the role of public library in the promotion and provision
of information service to the minority, group specifically
LGBTQ community.
Keywords :
Public Libraries, UNESCO, Minority Users, LGTBQ, Information Services.
