Abstract:
The objectives of the thesis proposed is to study the library laws enforced in certain foreign countries, i.e.: the United States of America, England, Denmark, Japan, and Singapore, and their development ; to seek and compile facts and information for the purpose of drafting a public library bill for Thailand; and to advance a recommendation thereon. The writer has made to study of such laws by way of research through books, journals, periodicals, government publications, and interviewing persons involved in public library services. Conclusion : The public library laws of U.S., England, Denmark, Japan, and Singapore share a common intent, i.e.: to encourage and promote the operation of public libraries with an aim for utmost efficiency. From the study, it is found that those laws provide for public library operation procedures which differ from each other as necessitated by local conditions of social structure, economy, and geography. In certain countries, the management is to be conducted in the form of committee at various levels, e.g. : national, state, district or local. As for budget appropriations, most library laws prescribe grants to be made by the government to public libraries: some in definite amounts, the others at a certain percentage. In respect of library services, almost all of the laws specifically prescribe that the service is to be rendered to public free of charges. The most important finding is that the public library services in those countries are rooted on specific laws, and fertilized by public, particularly local, interest. As no library laws are currently in force in Thailand, the writer would propose an outline for one, providing for creation of a governing public body of departmental status and a National Public Library Council, and for financial support by means of local taxes and States subsidies. Recommendation : Thailand should enact a public library law in order to create a concrete basis for appropriate operation of public libraries in the country, with an adequate financial support from the government. The Thai Library Association should play a major role in introducing a Public Library Bill to the authorities concerned and the National Assembly . The law on Publishing, particularly the provisions pertaining to the National Library, should also be updated.