Abstract:

Since the beginning of the 21st century, China has made significant progress in the development of public libraries and their service systems. However, challenges remain in areas such as regional balance, resource support at the grassroots level, the construction of provincial service systems, and funding investment. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee proposed to “optimize the mechanisms for cultural services and cultural product supply”, providing direction for the “15th Five-Year Plan” of public libraries and for tackling current difficulties. The key to optimization lies in improving the public library service system, establishing mechanisms for high-quality resources to reach grassroots levels, enhancing mechanisms for social participation in services, and promoting reforms that separate ownership and usage rights of public cultural facilities. However, it is essential to clarify that public library facilities do not fall under the scope of “reforms separating ownership from usage rights”—their rights are inseparable. During the “15th Five-Year Plan” period, the focus should be on improving mechanisms for involving social forces in the management or operation of public library services to ensure the healthy development of public libraries.