Apologies for cross-posting

 

“What Future for Public Libraries?”: One of the most contentious but important social questions of today

 

‘Public libraries press all the strategic buttons but are low on the government’s list of priorities and attract insufficient funds to develop their real potential. There are urgent questions to be asked about the governance and funding of public libraries at a national and local level’ 

 

A new paper published by the Laser Foundation tackles the issues involved.

 

The Rt Hon Chris Smith, MP and formerly Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at the DCMS, now Director of the Clore Leadership Foundation, said about the paper

 

“Public libraries represent one of our most treasured – and valuable – services.  This far-reaching Report shows how they can hold fast to their core purpose but shape new services for the modern world too.  It is full of interesting and daring ideas, and deserves careful consideration by everyone both inside and outside the libraries world.”

 

The discussion paper and a follow on conference (see below), are the outcome of three intensive working days for the library leaders of the future, sponsored by the Laser Foundation in 2004.

 

Among the paper’s conclusions are that

 

 

There will continue to be a need for a public library service which is “free at the point of delivery”; there will also be a need for premium services (Section 4) which may be home delivery, professional research services, access to the national back catalogue etc, all of which should be on a full cost recovery basis (Section 14).

 

Library services must follow retailing in being “customer-led” (Section 5).

 

The introduction of Radio Frequency Identification systems into libraries may revolutionise allocation of staff time (Section 6).

 

In a world of rapid social and technological change libraries too must learn both to change and to encourage the careers of those who can manage change (Section 6).

 

Library staff may have to adopt a corporate appearance, wearing uniform, or adhering to a dress code.   They must spend more time “on the floor”, and be as well trained as good shop assistants in customer relations.   Good staff must be properly paid; less than adequate staff must be helped to leave (Section 9).

 

Management skills are in short supply; library school syllabuses are out of touch with today’s needs (Section 9).

 

The division of responsibility for libraries between national and local government is serving the public badly.   A radical change in both governance and method of funding is needed (Section 10).

 

 

In the future there will be no “one size fits all” library.   Each will reflect local needs.   Some will share a site with other local services, or with commercial premises; others may be “virtual”

 

This discussion paper and the conference will take forward the debate on the future of public libraries, particularly how public libraries should be funded and where governance should lie.

 

Notes

 

1. To download copies of the full paper visit http://www.futuresgroup.org.uk and go to the Publications section. To request a printed copy to be posted or emailed contact Sandra Horgan on [log in to unmask]

 

2. Laser Foundation. Created from the transfer of the Laser Company and the transfer of funds, into the grant making trust The Laser Foundation, in 2001. It funds projects, research, development and related activities supporting the public library sector. For more information contact the Company secretary, Frances Hendrix, C/o Martin house Farm, Hilltop Lane, Whittle le Woods, Nr. Chorley, Lancs. PR6 7QR

Email: [log in to unmask]

 

3. Futures Group. A Group of middle managers of public libraries who came together under the auspices of the Laser Foundation. See web site to download copies of the paper and to comment, at http://www.futuresgroup.org.uk

 

4. The conference 4th March 2005. Held to discuss the future of public libraries, the report and issues arising from the main conclusions. Held at One Great George St, Westminster, London  SW1P 3AA.  Speakers include Lord McIntosh (Minister for Media and Heritage DCMS), Rt Hon Chris Smith MP, John McTernan (Downing Street Policy Unit), Chris Trinick Chief executive, Lancashire CC and Charles Leadbeater consultant, author and associate of Demos. Details of the conference from John Hicks ([log in to unmask])