That librarians' unique expertise in selecting, analyzing, organizing, preserving, and distributing information in all formats is a significant resource for making the emerging information environment meaningful and accessible to the public. This is a battle in which the library community engaged the apartheid government for many years, but without success. It is one which should, however, not be forsaken in view of the financial difficulties faced by all libraries. The high cost of books and journals, low exchange rates and budget cuts have made it very difficult for libraries to acquire new material. This has resulted in an little or no collection development in libraries.
Libraries provide access to information, ideas and works of imagination.
They serve as gateways to knowledge, thought and culture. Libraries provide essential support for lifelong learning, independent decision-making and cultural development for both individuals and groups. Libraries contribute to the development and maintenance of intellectual freedom and help to safeguard basic democratic values and universal civil rights. Libraries have a responsibility both to guarantee and to facilitate access to expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity. To this end, libraries shall acquire, preserve and make available the widest variety of materials, reflecting the plurality and diversity of society.