The Miquel Report on University Libraries: an uncompromisingly critical assessment

The Miquel Commission’s report on university libraries, published in 1989 shortly after a decision to increase university library budgets by 50%, marked a key turning point in the history of university libraries in France. It was uncompromisingly critical of the shortcomings of the system then in place, with failings in information for readers, opening hours, and document resources. It also highlighted the worryingly inadequate legal status of both the libraries and their staff. Its publication led to a thoroughgoing modernisation of university libraries over the following decade, culminating in the Université 2000 programme.
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