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Edwin Fleming should not be allowed to get away with his statement that “Much of the local government reputation for inefficiency is well deserved” (NLW, November 1990). Where is his evidence of this?

Describes the changing role and function of libraries caused by cuts, new technology, etc. Discusses future directions and challenges, especially with regard to IT. Examines new initiatives for libraries, including training shopkeepers as librarians and having in‐store libraries. Uses the case of Brent Libraries as an example.

Looks at the future of libraries as we approach the year 2000, and the changing nature of information technology. Argues that there is a need for libraries and the people who work in them to convince themselves and others of their continuing worth. Welcomes the arrival of the Library and Information Commission as a body of which the Government and other decision makers must take notice.

Assesses the future of libraries and librarians regarding the impact of technology; presents evidence for and against their decline. Particular points made include: the example of a US journal publisher who announced at a meeting of librarians that he was going to stop publishing in print form in favour of online access, with users receiving information from their own terminals; the uneven adoption of technology around the UK and the world suggests librarians have a role in ensuring an unbridgeable gap does not develop between the information rich and the information poor; and the arrival of information superhighways, together with the development of user‐friendly software and cheaper hardware means the end of the need for libraries and librarians. Concludes that librarians do have a secure future in cyberspace, but only if they adapt to their changing environment.

Universities are social and economic instruments for investment in man and thereby for the development of human resources at the highest level. This is truer in the case of developing countries where science and technology have not yet extended their beneficial aspects to whole spheres of social life. While preserving culture and heritage, universities are the most powerful institutions for social change and innovation. At the same time, universities and colleges themselves are subject to changes and need to adapt to these.

I MUST SAY, the Assistant librarian is becoming much more entertaining to read, now that it has acquired an editor who appears to be nuts.

This paper aims to investigate how public libraries in Cameroon contribute to the achievement of goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which is “peace, justice and strong institutions”.

The methodology used is observation, talks with the librarians of public libraries from different regions of the country. Authorities in charge of this domain in Cameroon, that is the Ministry of Arts and Culture. Statistics from these different actors have been collected and used for the study, as well as those available through the National Institute of statistics.

The participation of public libraries in the implementation of goal 16 in Cameroon is remarkable, even if they lack substantial budgets for the achievement of their goals and rely partly on donations. The increasingly widespread use of information and communication technologies, as well as certain paying activities, partly compensates for this lack. Democracy, living together, access to employment and self-employment through the dissemination of information and animation are effective tools that public libraries implement. Users from different origins can gather and discuss freely on national issues. Public libraries are sometimes involved as mediators in the resolution of some social conflicts.

In a period were seeking peace, justice and strong institutions is one of the main national issues discussed in Cameroon, the study provides more visibility to both the authorities and the potential users on the important role played by public libraries in the resolution of national issues.

The study determines the different actors of a national policy in the framework of the creation, and the promotion of the public libraries and their respective roles for a more concerted and better-oriented action.

I THOUGHT, shall I write a vigorously reproving letter to John Saunders, County Librarian of Surrey, or shall I fulminate in public instead? As you would expect, I chose the latter.

1 January 1992 is the date that The Library Charges (England and Wales) Regulations come into force and bring the philosophy of the free market into the public library world for the first time. Library authorities will be able to make a charge for, amongst other things, “assisting or instructing a person how to use a computer”, “for providing a room or cubicle on library premises for the purpose of working or studying…” and “for researching and for collating information for and at the request of a person”. Not only that but “the amount and the incidence of any charge made…shall be at the discretion of the relevant authority”. But you will doubtless be relieved to know that basic lending and reference provision will continue to be free in the old‐fashioned sense of the word.