Universal information service and increasing tasks of libraries

The evolution of information processing and deep integration of social structures and information systems are raising the significance of information and knowledge to a new higher level. The availability of information for everyone is the essence of the universal information service and the basic objective for the national information policy. An analysis of the market for information services shows that libraries remain the major information brokers and a significant guarantee for general availability of information. Tasks and usage of libraries are increasing, therefore the strategy of their development should be elaborated on a state scale. The Concept of Provision of Scientific and Technical Information for Latvia is based on integrated usage of printed and electronic information sources and services, wide application of virtual library strategy and the development of electronic information technologies.