UNESCO's Public Library Manifesto
The UNESCO's Public Library Manifesto was formulated for its member countries in 1949, to promote the public library system and make knowledge accessible to each and every member of the society. This manifesto was further revised in 1972 and was again revised in 1994 in collaboration with International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). The final manifesto was widely accepted by the member countries of the United Nations. The manifesto provides guidelines regarding objectives, activities and services of public library; and its funding, legislation and networks; its operations, management and implementation.
According to the manifesto, public library is the local gateway to knowledge. It provides basic conditions for lifelong learning, independent decision making and cultural development of an individual as well as social groups. This manifesto proclaims the UNESCO's belief in the public library as a living force for education, culture and information and an essential agent for fostering peace and spiritual welfare in the society.
