Bookmobiles: access to information, culture and leisure for rural inhabitants

Bookmobiles are a key element in bringing the information society, culture and leisure closer to inhabitants of rural areas. However, they still remain unknown to a great extent. This article explains what they are and how they function. After an introduction into their history and legal status, a description is provided of the infrastructure and equipment, collections, services, activities, human resources and schedules of eight bookmobiles that are currently being operated by the Province of Barcelona.