ABSTRACT
This chapter offers some concluding remarks on the main points raised in the book and sketches policy suggestions. It is outlined that libraries are heterogeneous cultural organisations offering several positive contributions to society’s wellbeing and that, on these grounds. there are strong motivations for public support at different levels of government. It is also noticed that these effects cannot be taken for granted, and to fully exploit the potential of libraries, the role of policies is important. On the one hand, clear objectives, adequate incentives, and effective monitoring systems are crucial and, on the other hand, people engagement and public awareness are needed to foster the accountability of public decision makers and institutions, and to achieve public goals. The challenges deriving by the digital revolution are also sketched as far as the role of libraries in the formation of human capital and as gate-keepers of knowledge is concerned.
