Libraries in Germany – Expert Discussion

“Meeting-Point Library” at the end of 2008 was the first nation-wide action week for libraries. The Chairwoman of the German Library Association (Deutscher Bibliotheksverband / dbv), Gabriele Beger, takes stock – and casts a look into the future: The next action week will take place from November 6 to 13, 2009.

Mrs Beger, what was the goal of “Germany Reads“?

We wanted to draw attention to the place of libraries in our society and make politicians aware of the fact that libraries can’t fulfil their tasks without reliable financing. And we wanted to do this not with statements or by whining, but by showing what our concerted efforts can do.

15,000 hours programme

What went on in the action week?

We had over 45,000 events throughout Germany – a total programme of 15,000 hours with authors readings, library nights, exhibitions, discussion series, participative actions and much more.

What was the most gratifying?

That very, very many libraries took part in the action. And also the successful public relations. It’s very hard to market libraries, and it’s not easy to arouse interest with a campaign. But we succeeded in getting big papers like Die Zeit to run large-scale advertisements for the campaign free of charge.

Are you satisfied by the resonance?

Very satisfied. Press reaction was considerable. There were over 190 reports on the Library Week. And for the conclusion of the campaign the cultural programme of Deutschlandradio aired a talk show on the subject of libraries in prime time.

We also had a good deal of feedback from public officials and other political circles. We’re particularly glad of course that the Federal Minister for Education and Research has promised financing for the campaign in 2009 and 2010.

The beginning was a success

So your expectations have been fulfilled?

Yes. But we’re aware that this was only a beginning. There’s surely much we could do still better.

What should be improved?

The evaluation showed, for example, that our posters with pictures of celebrities misled some people. They thought that these celebrities would be present at the actions. Particularly small municipalities would have liked more sample packages for the local press. There was also criticism of the date of the action because in several states it fell in the school holidays.

Focus on immigration

Currently you’re already planning the next action week.

The next campaign will take place from November 6 to 13, 2009. This year the Reading Day, organised by the Reading Foundation, will bring the campaign to a close.

Will there be a motto or other concept for the events this time?

At any rate, we again plan to have a variety of events. That shows after all how versatile the services of libraries can be.

We also want to emphasize library services more against the background of immigration. The 2008 study of the Reading Foundation on the reading behaviour in Germany shows libraries are institutions that are equally used by all citizens. Citizens with immigrant backgrounds use libraries just as often, if not more often, than native German citizens. We see in this a great responsibility for libraries.

Per book train to Austria

Are there plans for international cooperation?

We’ve adopted the basic idea for the campaign from our Austrian colleagues. Now we’re considering whether we can gradually coordinate the dates of our programmes. One idea is to carry the campaign further by having a train travel from Germany to Austria. And other European states are considering whether to start their own library campaigns.

What tips would you give them?

Don’t do it ad hoc, plan it well. Once you’ve begun, you should have the assurance that you will be able to realise such a campaign in the following years.

That stands or falls naturally with the question of financing. You need a reliable partner. The funds that have to be raised are not inconsiderable. Alone for the coordination of the action week we set up a part-time position with funds from the Ministry for Education and Research. At any rate, a few letters to sponsors isn’t enough to finance such a campaign.