LIBRARY SERVICES FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS: the view in IFLA’s and other association’s guidelines

Abstract

As we know, library service is crucial for marginalized, minority, underprivileged or other oppressed groups. This paper presents the relationship between library services and vulnerable groups. The work is divided into four parts. The first introduces the basic idea of library services, including both technical and public services. The second examines the concept of vulnerable groups in a sociological context and includes a set of categories and basic knowledge. The third part is an analysis of the guidelines published by some national library associations. The fourth and final section is a review and discussion of the guidelines IFLA has published for these social groups. Each part in this paper focuses on an important topic, and then explores the role of libraries in promoting social inclusion. We think that it will help stimulate discussion about some of the pressing professional issues relevant for librarians. Consequently, the author shows the role that library service has played within the framework of IFLA and other association’s published guidelines for disadvantaged communities. The conclusion is that the provision of library services, as an integral part of social and cultural activities, in equality of opportunity must be combined with the principles of social justice to provide fundamental equality to marginalized groups.