Libraries Enrich Society

Abstract

Fagforbundet is the largest union in LO Norway (The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions), with more than 350,000 members. Fagforbundet fights for strong libraries! Strong and good libraries are essential in an equal and democratic society. By giving all citizens the access to independent information, we also reinforce the individual's ability to live a full and independent life. Libraries are important meeting places, where everyone is welcome, regardless of social and cultural backgrounds. Such venues are becoming increasingly important, since so many other venues divide people based on economic and cultural status. By working for strong public libraries and school libraries, we contribute to better working conditions for the library staff and to society with better library services. We will show that there is no contradiction between library employees' trade union work and the need for a good library service for the population. We will emphasize the fact that even in Norway our common welfare system is under a great pressure, and that makes it even more important to fight for the common values and the basic services to people.