The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the information profession. The series IFLA Publications deals with many of the means through which libraries, information centres, and information professionals worldwide can formulate their goals, exert their influence as a group, protect their interests, and find solutions to global problems.

The public library is the prime community access point designed to respond to a multitude of ever-changing information needs. These guidelines are framed to provide assistance to library and information professionals in most situations. They assist to better develop effective services, relevant collections, and accessible formats within the context and requirements of the local community. In this exciting and complex information world it is important for professionals in search of knowledge, information and creative experience to succeed. This is the 2nd edition of The Public Library Service IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines for Development.

Die International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) ist der führende internationale Dachverband, der die Interessen von Bibliotheken und Informationsdiensten und ihren Nutzern vertritt. Sie ist das weltweite Sprachrohr der Bibliotheks- und Informationsberufe. In der Reihe IFLA Publications wird eine Vielzahl der Möglichkeiten diskutiert, wie Bibliotheken, Informationszentren sowie Angestellte in Informations- und Dokumentationsberufen weltweit ihre Ziele formulieren und ihren Einfluss als Gruppe wahrnehmen, ihre Interessen vertreten sowie Lösungen für globale Probleme entwickeln können.