Downgrading of libraries

Reductions in government funding and increased sensitivity to the political correctness of books have led to the massive disposal of books held in public libraries in the UK. One borough library destroyed two thirds of its stock, including books on war and history and others considered irrelevant to the community. Valuable books may be sold by academic institutions to fund other programmes, such as the purchase of computer systems. Although university libraries and large academic institutions have been affected by a general dispersal of book collections, small public libraries may be endangered by such a movement.