Posted by Caroline De Brún on another list - thought it worth sharing further.
Dear Colleagues
I have just been alerted to this by a friend and thought our whole community should be made aware of it
As you will probably have read (though remarkably small amount of publicity about this from the Government itself – good day to bury bad news syndrome?) there is a consultation about revoking legislation that is considered “burdensome” to local government and the list includes the 1964 Public Libraries Act and other items relating to Libraries. There are 1294 measures included in 2 lists that are in no particular order – so to help you submit comments the necessary reference numbers are below.
Please exercise your right to comment – if only on one then choose DCMS_27 and pass this information on to assist others who may wish to take part in the consultation.
The government have identified 1294 statutory duties (http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/tacklingburdens/reviewstatutoryduties/) that central government currently places on local authorities, the majority of which arise from primary legislation – and at this stage it is not a complete list. They are inviting the public to comment on the duties and “to challenge government on those which you feel are burdensome or no longer needed”. Three of these duties relate to libraries. It is important for people to take part in the “informal consultation exercise”, which will remain open for six weeks, closing 25 April 2011. The link to the questionnaire is here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GP7BKKT). You will be asked to refer to reference numbers relating to specific duties. The duties relating to libraries are:
DCMS_026
Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 Section 1(2)
Duty: To provide information and facilities for the inspection of library premises, stocks, records, as the Secretary of State requires.
Function: Necessary for Secretary of State to fulfil (requirement) to superintend library service (see s1 of PLAMA 1964)
DCMS_027
Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 Section 7
Duty: To provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. In fulfilling this duty, must have particular regard to the matters in s7(2)
Function: Secure provision of local library services
DCMS_028
Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 Section 11
Duty: Supplemental provisions as to transfers of officers, assets and liabilities
Function: Provisions provide, for example, continuity of employment for transferring employees. This secures consistency across library transfers etc and in line with other local authority employment legislation
With best wishes, from,
Caroline
Mrs MA DipLIS MCLIP
Information Specialist - NHS Evidence Specialist Collections Medical Library Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust
Tel: 0207-794 0500 ext 34996
Email: [log in to unmask]
Websites: http://www.library.nhs.uk/neurological/ and http://www.library.nhs.uk/gastroliver/
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