The Position of the Village Library and the Village Librarian in Germany

Abstract

The library landscape in Germany is divided into academic and public libraries. Scientific libraries are generally the focus of research and analysis, while public libraries are less frequently considered. When public libraries are researched, the focus is primarily on metropolitan systems, new technologies and their specific division of work areas or their expansion of additional services to underpin their attractiveness. The background of research concerns in the public library system is to be found in the justification of its raison d'être, conditioned by the unregulated statutory funding. In general, however, public libraries can be seen as places of action in their communities. They stand for low-threshold offers and are a link between the individual cultural institutions. Especially in rural areas, libraries are sometimes the only non-commercial cultural center of the community. Unfortunately, the financial constraints of the municipalities usually mean that only a modest budget is available to finance the libraries. They are often run on a part-time or honorary basis and have little or no professional staff. Their book stock is partly a collection of donated or inherited books. There is little or no technical equipment. Despite all this, they are contact points for many user groups. Village libraries are particularly used by groups with limited mobility, such as children, young people and pensioners.