Tim Coates (excuse me while I dive for cover ;) recently suggested that maybe the public and/or councillors could be involved with Future Libraries programme planning[1]. Whatever happens to the top levels of management, could the libraries add representation from the public to the management/planning process, someone who can represent the experience of the ordinary person using the libraries and communicate the expectations of communities.
[1] http://www.goodlibraryguide.com/blog/archives/2010/09/reform_and_rene.html
I've also argued in a previous post that we are going through a great deal of societal change at the moment, and that a reassessment of the libraries needs to be presented to the public with the options (which would include as well arguments for an expansion of the libraries!). With the MLA getting the axe and councils chopping the top levels of management I'm not sure who would now do this. Could perhaps a small national focus group be assembled out of the wasteland of cuts to carry out an initial and ongoing assessment and evaluation of the library service, a group that maybe the public could communicate with directly, as well the best thinkers in academia, and in an open and transparent manner.
Gareth Osler
Library Web
http://libraryweb.info
|