In 1987 public and research libraries still faced serious space, management, and service problems.
Even with the special efforts being made to solve these problems, it was clear that they would not be quickly resolved.
Students were staying in school longer, educational standards were being raised, and facilities were being improved.
Intellectuals were encouraged to develop their expertise, especially in the scientific and technical spheres, and a wide variety of traditional and modern literary and art forms were allowed to flourish.
This situation was likely to continue as long as it served the interest of economic modernization and posed no threat to the political establishment.