*Apologies for cross-posting*

National Forum for Information Planning News Release

10 January 2000				          For immediate release

Information planning and the regional agenda

NFIP responds to DCMS discussion paper

The National Forum for Information Planning (NFIP) has welcomed 
"Libraries and the Regions: A Discussion Paper", issued by the Department 
for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to stimulate debate on the strategic 
role of the Regional Library Systems.

NFIP says that there is an important role for information planning in the 
preparation of regional economic strategies by Regional Development 
Agencies. It agrees that library and information services need a single 
coherent voice at strategic regional level and that the Regional Library 
Systems (RLSs) have a key role to play.

NFIP is disappointed that the paper makes no specific reference to 
existing geographical Library and Information Plans (LIPs). Where a RLS 
already has a strategic role, sub-regional LIPs can provide a link 
between the local and the regional. Where a RLS has not developed a 
strategic role it may be awkward for the sub-regional LIP to raise 
strategic issues with regional bodies. The paper's proposal for a single 
focus for the LIS sector in each Region would remedy this.

NFIP endorses the paper's general emphasis on cross-sectoral partnership 
and the need to involve libraries of all kinds if RLSs are to 
legitimately represent the entire sector. LIPs have always attracted a 
broad range of libraries, including those in the private sector. NFIP 
suggests that existing LIPs should be built upon and the LIP concept 
extended to other areas: "the smaller organisations are more likely to be 
attracted to sub-regional than regional networks. RLSs should attempt to 
bring LIP membership directly into their structures."

NFIP draws attention to information planning on a subject basis as 
practised by subject LIPs, and says that a mechanism by which this can be 
linked to regional strategic thinking is needed.

NFIP is disappointed that the Discussion Paper was not a 
cross-departmental initiative involving the DfEE and the DTI as 
stakeholders and hopes that outcomes from the paper will involve 
"joined-up government".

On funding, NFIP points out that current regional structures are funded 
by library and information services which are constantly pressed by their 
parent bodies to deliver more for less. Government needs to consider "how 
it can provide incentives for organisations to enable their library and 
information services to engage in strategic and developmental work at a 
regional and national level." NFIP calls on the DCMS to consider its own 
role.

On geographical boundaries, NFIP believes that despite advantages to be 
gained from coterminosity, there is no reason to disrupt existing 
successful bodies as long as the RLS can focus on the appropriate RDA.

As for the services offered by RLSs, NFIP suggests that RLSs should 
consider those provided by LIPs, particularly in networking and training. 
Many LIPs have been very successful in these areas and there is potential 
for providing them on a regional basis.

While strongly agreeing that there is a need for strategic and 
developmental work at a regional level, NFIP believes that activity 
should take place at the most appropriate level, whether local, 
sub-regional or regional. "LIPs are a proven model and regional activity 
could be achieved by promoting and co-ordinating sub-regional activities."

NFIP agrees with the recommendation that libraries should be represented 
on Regional Cultural Consortiums (RCCs) by bodies based in their 
geographical areas, but points out that they must also be represented on 
other regional bodies and fora, especially those concerned with  
information strategy, economic development and lifelong learning. The 
cultural agenda is just one of many areas where libraries have a 
contribution to make.

NFIP supports the call for strategic working between libraries, museums 
and archives but reiterates that libraries should not be restricted to 
the cultural arena. "We should be looking for strategic working with eg. 
the information society initiative, educational providers and local 
businesses."

NFIP adds that an overarching national structure is needed to consider 
strategic issues and to support the development of regional and 
sub-regional bodies. This body should bring together all those who are 
interested in information planning in its widest sense. With central 
support, it could contribute to the goals of the Museums, Libraries and 
Archives Council and the British Library, and to government policies. 
Such a body should be considered in the context of a national information 
policy rather than in terms of the merger of existing bodies.

/ends

Notes to Editors

1.  Libraries and the Regions: A Discussion Paper. DCMS Libraries, 
Information and Archives Division. PP 276. October 1999. The Paper's Key 
Recommendations are printed overleaf (snail recipients only).

2.  The National Forum for Information Planning (NFIP) was established as 
LIPLINC in 1989 at the request of the Office of Arts and Libraries to 
monitor the development of Library and Information Plans (LIPs) in the 
UK. It consists of LIP Directors and Managers together with 
representatives of other cross-sectoral UK library and information 
networks. The Library and Information Commission and the British Library 
Co-operation and Partnership Programme have Observer status. NFIP is a 
Panel of LINC, the Library and Information Co-operation Council.

3.  For further information on NFIP, contact: NFIP Chair Carl Clayton, 
Director, SINTO, Learning Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Pond 
Street, Sheffield S1 1WB.  
Tel: 0114 225 4711.  Fax: 0114 225 4755.  E-mail: [log in to unmask]
	    
4.  News release issued for NFIP by Pat Wressell Associates, Press 
Officer.  
	Tel: 0191 281 3502.  Fax: 0191 212 0146.  E-mail: [log in to unmask]


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