Public libraries have accepted the challenge of new electronic possibilities and developed a remarkable range of services. Today, by providing these services, public libraries have the greatest opportunity to contribute to bridging the 'digital gap'. These guidelines and standards have been developed for a variety of public libraries at different levels of development, in order to support librarians in building effective library services in all circumstances everywhere, to meet the requirements of the local users. Examples from all over the world of the range of services offered illustrate the text and provide insights into imaginative possible solutions to specific problems. Internet addresses lead to further information on a variety of initiatives.

"The Public Library Service: IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines for Development" have been framed to provide assistance to librarians in any situation to develop an effective public library service meeting the needs of their local community.

Philip Gill, Chair of the IFLA Working Group which prepared these new guidelines, said: "The publication of these new IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines for Public Libraries, following wide consultation, present librarians worldwide with standards and guidelines which will help them develop public libraries relevant to the information age. In this exciting and complex information world, it is vitally important for those in search of knowledge, information and creative... experience that they succeed. I believe that these guidelines will help public librarians around the world meet that challenge."

Inclusion of examples of provision from around the world provides snapshots of what is happening in public libraries in many different countries and a glimpse of imaginative solutions to specific challenges.

These guidelines are essential reading for everyone involved in the provision of public libraries and will become an invaluable reference tool for public library development and planning.