*Apologies for cross-posting*
 
LINC News Release

10 January 2000		          For immediate release

Regional focus for libraries needed

LINC responds to DCMS discussion paper
 
The Library and Information Co-operation Council (LINC) has welcomed 
"Libraries and the Regions: A Discussion Paper", issued by the Department 
for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and generally supports its key 
recommendations. In the context of Regional Cultural Consortiums, 
Regional Development Agencies, and the prospect of the Museums, Libraries 
and Archives Council (MLAC) the Paper is welcomed as a focus for debate 
on the strategic role of the Regional Library Systems (RLSs). 
 
LINC believes that significant funding implications are "certain", rather 
than "likely", in the drive to tackle strategic issues and supports the 
recommendation that RLSs should explore the options available for 
obtaining additional resources. The funding issue also underlines the 
need for cross-sectoral co-operation in the utilisation of resources, 
LINC points out.      
 
LINC considers that, as an interface between Government, the Regions and 
MLAC, it will be able to play an important role as a mechanism for the 
strategic development of regional library co-operative systems and can 
act as a sounding board and consultation mechanism. 
 
While LINC agrees that individual RLSs should choose which services they 
should offer, it supports the view that partnership with other cultural 
agencies is essential. "The use of new technologies to facilitate 
co-operation and access as traditional inter-library lending practices 
are superseded, will be vital", LINC says.  
 
On geographical boundaries, LINC endorses the view that libraries should 
be represented on Regional Cultural Consortiums by bodies based in their 
respective geographical areas, but stresses that such bodies must be able 
to take a strategic view of priorities and opportunities for the sector. 
It accepts coterminosity as a desirable objective, if it can be achieved. 
LINC believes that "the ability to take a strategic view and to represent 
the sector effectively at all levels, strategically, operationally and 
politically, is more important than being constrained by regional 
boundaries". 
 
On the need for greater strategic and co-operative working between 
libraries and museums and archives, LINC points out that, along with its 
member organisations, it is already working to develop relationships with 
MLAC and with regional bodies in those sectors.
 
The Discussion Paper recommends that RLSs should investigate the 
possibility of a merger between LINC and CONARLS (Circle of Officers of 
National and Regional Library Systems) to create a strong single voice 
and a national focus of expertise for the Regions. LINC points out that 
while LINC is the Council of the Regions and related bodies, CONARLS is 
an executive body which carries out day-to-day inter-regional operations, 
proposes policies and developments and undertakes research.
 
LINC agrees that there should be a closer working relationship but 
believes that: "a merger between the two needs careful consideration. 
There are clearly synergies but the roles are not necessarily the same 
and previous attempts to abandon either organisation have foundered on 
this realisation". 
 
/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 (for snailmail recipients only).  
 
2.  LINC is the leading representative organisation promoting 
co-operation and partnership in the UK and Republic of Ireland as a means 
of improving the effectiveness of the library and information sector. Its 
members include the British Library, the National Library of Scotland, An 
Chomhairle Leabharlanna (the Irish Library Council), LISC (NI), 
Interlending Wales, LA, SCONUL, the Society of Chief Librarians, all but 
one of the English Library Regions, and a range of organisations with an 
interest in co-operation. It has three Panels: NEWSPLAN, NFIP (National 
Forum for Information Planning) and LINC Health Panel. 
 
3.   For further information on LINC, contact: 
LINC Honorary Secretary Paul Turner, County Librarian, Hampshire, 81 
North Walls, Winchester SO23 8BY.  Tel: 01962 846 109.  Fax: 01962 856 
615.  E-mail: [log in to unmask]
  
4.  News release issued for LINC by Pat Wressell Associates, Press 
Officer.  Tel: 0191 281 3502.  Fax: 0191 212 0146.  E-mail: 
[log in to unmask] 


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