PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss visions and realities in recent Norwegian governmental reports on libraries. How realistic are the government's plans? Do the commitments in the reports comply with state budgetary proposals? How do local libraries interpret them and how do they affect public libraries, as they are funded by municipal authorities and local politicians?
Design / methodology/approachThe methods used are a qualitative analysis of interviews and an examination of the reports and relevant statistical data. Six public libraries, of different types and geographical distribution, have been chosen for analysis. Statistical and economic data have been obtained from the KOSTRA database (Municipality-State-Reporting) from Statistics Norway and the annual ALM (Archives, Libraries, Museums) publication Statistics for archives, libraries and museum (Statistikk for arkiv, bibliotek og museum).
FindingsThe budget proposals of the Norwegian government indicate willingness to implement the commitments in the governmental reports, with the exception of the small amounts allocated to competence development and model libraries. The reports do not address the serious challenges facing Norwegian public libraries.
Importance and interest of the studyThe paper discusses the latest official plans and strategies for Norwegian libraries. This should interest library employees and library and information students and teachers, as well as governmental representatives and politicians.
Value of paperThe in-depth economic analysis of a selection of Norwegian public libraries could be valuable for the librarians in Norway, as well as in other countries, in times of budget cuts, decreasing resources and financial difficulties.