Dear All
Apologies for cross-posting etc.
You may remember a few months ago I e-mailed the list asking readers to sign
an online petition I had set up against the proposed funding cuts to the
British Library. So far the petition has attracted over 15,000 signatories -
which is fantastic. It has another three weeks to run, before it closes. If
you're reading this and haven't got round to signing it yet, please consider
doing so - and encourage your friends too. You can find it at:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/library/
It is a sad fact that so many libraries and archives find themselves
fighting to survive. The proposed cuts to the BL's budget are tantamount to
cultural vandalism on a national scale, for they will have a devastating
effect on collection development and its ability to provide free-access to
users. The BL has set up a special section on their website about the
spending review. They are still appealing for supporters to e-mail in with
messages of support. The URL is: http://www.bl.uk/spendingreview.html
Unfortunately you must be a British citizen, or resident in the UK in order
to sign the petition. I know this is frustrating for those of you who aren't
based in the UK, but you can still express your support for the library -
take a look at their website and send them a letter of support.
You may also wish to lobby your MP, in which case do take a look at:
http://www.writetothem.com/
With best wishes,
Jo Bryant
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Joanna Bryant MA(Hons), MA
MA/MSc student (Information & Library Management),
Department of Information Science, Loughborough University, Leicestershire,
LE11 3TU, UK.
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Where were you on April 22nd? I was running the London Marathon! It's not
too late to sponsor me at: www.justgiving.com/joannabryant
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