Public Libraries Can and Do Make a Difference: A Case to be Proved Available to Purchase

States that public libraries are under threat of decreased financial resources owing to government expenditure restrictions. Suggests that the purpose of public libraries must be clearly established and objectives defined in order to justify their existence in some instances. Looks at traditional librarianship and then at needs‐based librarianship, providing a model to and in the establishment of library objectives and purpose. Proposes that the model will provide a basis on which to build an open and responsive public library service. Concludes that it is only through the involvement of the library's public that it can hope to survive.