Abstract
M. Bibl.
This study examines the potential of library outreach services in the development
of disadvantaged black communities. It also investigates the possibility of closer
co-operation between libraries and other service organisations in the presentation
of library outreach services.
It is generally recognised that effective, relevant library services can help uplift
disadvantaged people, but for a number of reasons disadvantaged black South
Africans do not use or benefit from libraries. Libraries in South Africa therefore
face a great challenge. They must remove the barriers that have prevented the
majority of the population from making use of their services and in the course of
their service rendering they must also make a notable contribution to the upliftment
of their communities. Libraries must assume their rightful role as valuable,
recognised service organisations in the black communities of South Africa.
This study will propose that library outreach services can play a vital role in helping
the library meet this challenge. It will also suggest that no library can fight
disadvantagement in its community in isolation. It needs to establish links with
other organisations in the community for the benefit of the disadvantaged individual
as well as for its own.