Multiculturalism and public library: the international debate

Abstract

This article concerns with the international debate about multiculturalism and public library.The main features of multicultural societies are described. Briefly the multicultural library history, from the end of XIX sec. till today, is presented through its main steps and an international outline of the most significant experiences and researches is shown.The presence of immigrants in a country is an opportunity to develop the mission of public library through the procedures and regulations of a library service. The problems of organization are mentioned through an analysis of official publications by IFLA and Unesco and through activities, history and programs of IFLA's Section on Library Services to Multicultural Populations.Particularly Multicultural communities. Guidelines for library service, the most important standard for public libraries that is involved in the starting of these new services, is analysed punctually.At last, some strategical aspects are shown through the experiences of foreign libraries and library system, in particular by Scandinavia and United States, countries that for historical and social reasons have begun compare themselves, before than others, with these new users and matters.