The national Department of Arts and Culture drafted the South African Public Library and Information Services Bill, 2012. The Bill aimed to –
- ensure consistency in the delivery of public library and information services in the country;
- put in place measures to ensure redress of the inequalities in the provision of public library and information services; and
- provide for principles, norms and standards for the provision of public library and information services.
In terms of Schedule 5 Part A of the Constitution, the public libraries function is a provincial function. The Bill sought to provide a framework for measures to maintain essential national standards and to establish minimum standards required for the rendering of services as permitted by section 44(2) of the Constitution.
The Bill required the Minister of Arts and Culture to issue national minimum norms and standards for the provision of public library and information services. The implementation of these norms and standards had financial implications for national government, the provinces and municipalities – all of whom are involved in managing and funding different aspects of the function.
The principal aim of this project was to cost the financial implications of the Bill.