THE MANAGEMENT OF STOCK IN MINORITY LANGUAGES IN BRITISH PUBLIC-LIBRARIES

In recent years there has been growing concern about the need for UK p ublic libraries to provide materials in minority foreign languages (As ian languages for immigrants from the Indian subcontinent, other Asian countries and languages of European immigrant communities). Describes the results of a questionnaire survey of 110 library authorities in E ngland, Scotland and Wales, conducted by Leicestershire Library and In formation Plan (LLIP), at the request of Library and Information Co-op eration Council (LINC), to collect factual data concerning the levels of expenditure on books in the range of languages covered. Eighty-thre e of the 110 public library authorities responded, plus four of the re gional library systems. Reports data for languages coverd by region (2 7 different lan guages); projected expenditure for each language for 1 991-92; and the use of library co-operatives. Notes the commonest lang uages covered, the fact that the annual expenditure on purchase of suc h books exceeded 5000 pounds in only 13 authorities, and the services of co-operatives was valued. The need for further provision of languag es from Western Europe was noted. On the basis of this interim report, the following five topics were identified as being worth further inve stigation: organizational structures, adequacy of provision; stock man agement; financial provision; and strategic issues. Concludes with pri oritized recommendations to be built into a 3 year plan.