Hi all,
Long term lurker and newbie poster.
I have been dipping in and out of this debate with interest.
However, talking amongst ourselves will not help save our services. There is a role for all of us to try and influence the media if we truly believe libraries have a future. SCL may not ultimately make the decisions but they can join the debate (if they are allowed). I work for a local authority as head of service but I can also advocate on behalf of library services within that role.
I too was furious to see the same old, same old debate on BBC breakfast so with the support of my corporate communication colleagues I tried to put across a more positive spin. By Tuesday afternoon we had a positive piece in the local newspaper about library services in Swansea. I undertook a quick interview for the local radio station and a colleague of mine agreed to undertake a radio interview in Welsh and a BBC Wales national TV interview for the main Welsh evening news programme Newyddion. This expanded into three Welsh library services having the opportunity to put a positive spin on the story.
O.k. it might not have reached a huge audience but it did make a few good points that have already been rehearsed in this debate. I am sure that the interviews were also passed onto the relevant cabinet members as part of the press briefings we circulate.
If anyone is interested the Newyddion link is
http://news.bbc.co.uk/welsh/hi/newsid_8940000/newsid_8944700/8944776.stm
Obviously it’s all in Welsh so I hope everyone's saying the right things! (I'm a non Welsh speaker)
I know the political situation in Wales is different but the core values and services are the same. What I really want to emphasis is that it’s our responsibility to participate in the debate in whatever way we can and if we don’t defend our position no one is going to do it for us.
Steve Hardman
Library Services Manager / Rheolwr Gwasanaethau Llyfrgell
City and County of Swansea / Dinas a Sir Abertawe
County Hall / Neuadd y Sir
Oystermouth Road / Heol Ystumllwynarth
Swansea / Abertawe
SA1 3SN
(01792) 636610
[log in to unmask]
www.swansea.gov.uk/libraries
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