Information Equity and Cultural Sharing: The Service for Migrant Workers in Hangzhou Public Library

Introduction

As a non-profit social institution, it is the responsibility and mission of public libraries to ensure all citizens have free and equal access to knowledge, information and cultural services. Migrant workers have grown into a new labor force during the processes of industrialization and urbanization since the Chinese economic reform began. Their households are registered in rural areas, but while they work and live in the city, they should have the same right as full-time residents of the city to enjoy the services provided by public libraries. Meanwhile, public libraries should be responsible for helping them to integrate into the city’s community as soon as possible. From the perspective of information equity and cultural sharing, it is of great importance for public libraries to explore the method and pathways of services to migrant workers so as to promote the practical services of public library and improve the perception of services offered by public libraries.