Section 11 Funding: Its Changes and Implications for Library Provision for Ethnic Minority Communities

Examines briefly provision for ethnic minority groups and the extent to which they are catered for by the public library service. This includes a look at the library′s role in creating a multicultural and multiracial society, with examples of libraries which are currently attempting to integrate ethnic minorities into the service. Legislation, policy statements and surveys that have been carried out are examined for their relevance to current provision. Also examines the contentious issue of“Section 11” funding, both in the original form and with the new criteria,why it was originally introduced and the problems that were created,followed by a look at the new criteria and some of the effects on the public library service. Problems encountered with the new criteria are examined as are the reasons why some authorities were more successful than others in bidding for funds. The conclusions drawn are to the mixed reactions that the new “Section 11” criteria have provoked, and the great challenges the library service faces to integrate ethnic minority provision into the mainstream of public library services.