News Release

2002-03

Ratification of Library Book Rate

Ottawa, February 25, 2002  --  Roch Carrier, National Librarian of Canada, applauds the Department of Canadian Heritage and Canada Post on the recent ratification of the Library Book Rate for another three years. Through support for postage costs, the Library Book Rate helps Canadians access the collections in over 21 000 libraries across the country.

"In a country as large as Canada, with its many rural and remote communities, the Library Book Rate is an absolute necessity. Canadians living in isolated villages and towns must not be placed at a disadvantage when it comes to borrowing library books," said Mr. Carrier. "The library postal rate is instrumental in addressing these barriers of distance and cost. It will take a collaborative effort, however, to see that the rate is improved and extended to cover more types of library material, such as videotapes and audiotapes."

The National Library of Canada has worked with the Canadian Library Association and the Association des sciences et techniques de documentation for over 10 years on this program and will continue to work hand in hand with the community to negotiate a better and more inclusive Library Book Rate. Libraries are encouraged to respond to the survey that is currently being undertaken through the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The National Library of Canada is committed to putting knowledge within reach of all Canadians.

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Pauline M. Portelance
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Telephone: 613-996-6128
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