Hi all,
I take Michelle's point, but think it's always a bit of a cruel joke to
say to someone "they should move to somewhere more civilised". How many
people can choose where they live by the quality of the library services?
It's funny this has come up now. I too am a librarian, and I work in HE,
although I worked for a large public library system in New Zealand for
11 years. Glasgow's community libraries tend to have a good stock (I've
been a regular at 4 different branches in my time here) and variable
service (Hillhead library assistants rock!). However, I travel a lot for
work and also work long hours as many folk do these days. This week I
attempted to return some overdue books to my new local, which didn't
open till 10am! Having wasted a schlep, I later returned them at Partick
and was told I had a £10 fine. Which I was not allowed to pay by cheque!
Which means I can't post it in either. So- the opening hours suck, there
are no overnight return boxes to suit such as me, and when I try to pay
the fine that resulted from all that, I couldn't because I didn't have
the cash. Why are these libraries so technologically primitive if
nothing else? Why can't I pay my fine online? Or use a Switch card? And
why can't I return books out of opening hours? I was composing a letter
to the council in my head all the way to work, then found all of this
going on in the papers and here. So I'm not the only one.
I also think it's unfair to blame "the profession" as the original
letter's author did. They are making do with the funding they have. It's
up to us as members of the public to pressure our councils for better
library services.
Sarah
Michelle Homden wrote:
>Dear colleagues
>
>I agree with the sentiments of this letter but would respectfully suggest
>the writer move somewhere more civilised. I too am a qualified librarian and
>have worked in a variety of sectors although never in a public library. I
>have recently moved to Willesden Green, in the London Borough of Brent,
>where my public library is open on Saturdays and Sundays. When I dropped in
>last Sunday, on a particularly sunny afternoon, I was amazed at the number
>of people studying and reading the journals. The staff have also been very
>helpful providing information about local services.
>
>I understand that the Libri study was conducted in one small region only.
>Why is it receiving so much publicity? And why are some regions so much
>better at providing realistic library services than others? Any thoughts
>anyone?
>
>Michelle Homden
>Information Officer
>Prisoners Abroad
>
>[log in to unmask]
>tel: 020 7561 6873
>www.prisonersabroad.org.uk
>
>Prisoners Abroad is the only charity providing practical support and
>campaigning for the welfare of Britons held abroad. Registered charity no.
>1093710
>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Shafika Abbasi [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent: 29 April 2004 13:10
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Libri report on public libraries
>
>
>Letter published in today's Guardian.
>Hear, hear.
>
>SA
>
>
>
>Thursday April 29, 2004
>The Guardian
>
>I am one of the millions who rarely use public libraries (British libraries
>could shut by 2020, April 28). How ironic, then, that I have also spent the
>past 15 years as a qualified librarian in the private and public sectors.
>This is because my local library is closed when I leave for work and closed
>when I get home. Its books and computers remain firmly closed to the public
>on two whole weekdays.
>It is time the profession took its head out of the sand and started to give
>the public what they want: more books, longer opening hours and a
>customer-friendly service.
>
>London
>
>_________________________________________________________________
>Stay in touch with absent friends - get MSN Messenger
>http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger
>
>
>
--
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Ms. Sarah Currier
Librarian, Stòr Cùram Project
"A Storehouse of Learning Resources for Social Care"
Dept. of Social Work, University of Strathclyde
c/o: Centre for Academic Practice, University of Strathclyde
Graham Hills Building, 50 George Street
Glasgow G1 1QE, Scotland, United Kingdom
Web: http://storcuram.blogs.com/weblog/
Tel.: +44 (0)141 548 4573 Fax: +44 (0)141 553 2053
E-mail: [log in to unmask] Mob.: +44 (0)7980 855 801
Stòr Cùram is Gaelic for Storehouse of Care
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