Statement from the International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and DocumentationCentresSource: Fontes Artis Musicae, Vol. 28, No. 1/2, TWELFTH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OFMUSIC LIBRARIES, ARCHIVES AND DOCUMENTATION CENTRES: CAMBRIDGE/ENGLAND(Januar-Juni 1981), p. 53Published by: International Association of Music Libraries, Archives, and Documentation Centres(IAML)Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/23505745 .

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Comission Reports and Papers 53

Statement from the International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres

In 1976 1AML sent the attached statement to the International Music Council and UNESCO in an

effort to express concern at the slow development of Music and Sound Recordings services in public libraries throughout the world.

Since that time small progress has been made in some countries, but in others economic difficulties

are preventing development and there are now signs of a reduction in services by closure of music

departments and/or reduction in staff. We would ask 1FLA to restate the principles of our 1976 statement and express concern that such

services be protected as much as possible, in that they serve all members of society, both the advantag ed and the disadvantaged, the well and the sick, in a post-industrial society that appears to be moving towards greater leisure.

There are disturbing signs in some countries that funding committees and authorities regard music

libraries as having the lowest priority in the public library service. We ask [FLA to emphasize to its

constituent associations the importance of resisting these reductions in the music library services, as

we firmly believe that if they are accepted other parts of the public library service will then be attacked.

Statement

Music is one of the oldest cultural phenomena known to man. Today it is the largest

cultural activity commonly shared by the human race. According to the Unesco Public

Library Manifesto. "The Public Library is the principal means whereby the record of

man's thoughts and ideas, and the expression of his creative imagination, are made freely

available to all". Musical culture provided by the public libraries must have the whole

hearted support of political and economic organizations throughout the world, to ensure

its continuing existence and contribution to the quality of life. Librarians view with

concern the erosion of the essential facilities that have been developed over the past

centuries. 1AML draws attention to this erosion, brought about by economic expediency

and in some circumstances by political indifference, and calls upon world governments to

resist the contraction of this unique heritage of common man.

Accordingly, IAML urges:

1. that a music section be included in every public library system. The role of this service

should reflect the influence of music in the community.

2. that the music library be managed by an appropriately educated staff.

3. that the music library be a centre supporting all music-cultural work of the community.

4. that the music service include the following activities:

a) circulating books, scores and non-book materials (including sound recordings)

b) a reference service

c) listening facilities at the library

d) community involvement through the arrangement of cultural programmes for

children and adults. (August, 1976)

Session 3

Evelyn van Kaam of the Nederlands Bibliotheek en Lektuur Centrum introduced her organisation

and gave an illustrated lecture on furniture for music and record libraries in the Netherlands. The

NBLC, which receives a 70% Government subsidy in addition to personal and corporate subscriptions,

is an advice bureau for librarians, selling its services and stationery to libraries on a non-profit basis.

While it does not sell furniture and equipment, these are housed at the Centre in a demonstration

showroom, where librarians may see and use them before making a choice, and where manufacturers

may receive useful feedback from potential users.

Like other countries, the Netherlands faces the problem of the architect's responsibility for fur

nishing the building, which may subordinate practical considerations to the overall design. Lack of

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