Public libraries support the cultural industry sector

Public libraries support Canada's cultural industry sector. Nothing demonstrates the success of the relationship between public libraries and the retail sector (including businesses selling books, music, magazines, computer products and videos) better than the link between libraries and the book trade. According to a position paper written by the Canadian Publishers' Council, public libraries are a critical link to a successful book trade in Canada.

• in Ontario alone "libraries spend $40 million annually in the publishing industry" (Ontario Libraries and Community Information Branch, 1995, p. 21)

• "Publishers rely heavily on the revenue from library sales to allow them the ability to reinvest and continue to publish, in some cases previously unknown writers. The public library market more often than not determines the future of many authors" (Canadian Publishers' Council, 1996, p.2)

• "The publishing sector is extremely sensitive to these funding cuts [to libraries] as they will negatively impact the very future of Canadian authors/creators, freelance editors, literary agents, publisher and related human resources, printer and graphic artists... The Canadian publishing industry provides employment both directly and indirectly to more than 70,000 people. The reduction in library spending and, in turn the inability of publishers to reinvest in Canadian programs, will absolutely mean the demise of some publishing houses" (Canadian Publishers' Council, 1996, p.314)

• when the health of public libraries is threatened, "Canada's cultural industry sector, which is defined as newspaper, periodical and book publishing, recording, radio, television and theatrical film is in serious jeopardy" (Canadian Publishers' Council, 1996, p.5)

Public libraries buy a significant amount of print materials which helps to ensure that the book trade in Canada remains thriving and healthy. The following figures reflect the importance of public library markets.

• in 1995, Canada's large urban public libraries spent in excess of $48.5 million dollars on print and non-print materials: Close to $30 million of it was spent at Canadian wholesalers, publishers, booksellers, distributors and retailers (CALUPL Annual Statistics 1995, p. intro)

There are over 4000 other libraries across the country whose budgets also support the Canadian book and periodical industries.

Public libraries represent an important customer base for Canadian booksellers. Discussions with representatives from the Canadian Magazine Publishers Association indicate that the link between public libraries and the periodical industry in Canada is equally vital. Other cultural industries, including those involved in the production and distribution of music, computer production and videos echo this opinion.

Public libraries are a vital link in supporting those individuals and institutions involved in the creation, production, and dissemination of print, audio-visual, and electronic materials.