Vol. 475 No. 4
182 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if he supports the view that a greater involvement of the general public in our libraries will result in the most up-to-date and current stock in books and IT/computer form; if he has satisfied himself that adequate funding is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5144/97]
The currency and range of their stock of books and other materials is one of the key factors which contributes to the level of library usage. In more recent times, library authorities have been diversifying the formats in which stock is available to include such items as audio tape, CD, CD-ROM and video. Additionally, libraries have been providing increasing access to computer facilities within branches.
The amount of funding made available for updating stock is a matter for determination by individual library authorities. I note, however, that the trend in recent years is for library authorities to increase the amount spent on stock. In 1996, this increase was estimated, nationally, to be 6.9 per cent over the preceding year.
