I've just been looking at the actual sections of the Act quoted and, I think, there is no threat to the provision of a comprehensive and efficient library service, but there is, perhaps, a threat to the stock and buildings.
I'm not a legal expert but section 7(2) refers to securing stock, encouraging library use and co-operation between those authorities using the library; section 1(2) is the provision of information for the inspection of stock and its use; section 11 is to do with transfer of library officers, assets and liabilities.
It is very possible I'm reading this wrongly but this would seem to keep the provision of a public library service but remove the need for local authorities to stock it or inspect stock levels and usage and would, perhaps, facilitate disposal of the library buildings.
I'm not sure what ceasing to be a 'duty' involves but if it is no longer a duty to provide stock, just the service, it might be easier to push forward privatisation of the library services or offer front end library/advice services with electronic or reduced stock.
Access http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1964/75#reference-c713328 and see what you think - I may be reading more into this than is really there but the DCMS list of repeals viewed together seems quite planned to cut costs.
Gill Foster
Librarian
-----Original Message-----
From: UK medical/ health care library community / information workers [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rowley, Margaret (Knowledge Management)
Sent: 17 March 2011 10:59
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Secure provision of local library services
The consultation is asking for support or otherwise for keeping a long list of statutory requirements.
I think it is very important that people should be encouraged to respond saying that they think it is vital that library services should remain a statutory duty.
If there are no responses to that effect, the government can say that there was no support for keeping the statutory duty. We can't let that happen!
Margaret
Margaret Rowley BSc MA MCLIP DMS
Head of Knowledge Management
Worcestershire Health ICT Services
Rowlands Library
Charles Hastings Education Centre
Worcestershire Royal Hospital
Charles Hastings Way
Worcester
WR5 1DD
Tel: 01905 760601 (direct)
01905 763333 ext 33765
Mob:07788 415799
-----Original Message-----
From: UK medical/ health care library community / information workers [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Allott Chrissy
Sent: 17 March 2011 09:23
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Secure provision of local library services
Government have now said this isn't true, they will be keeping the statutory duty to provide libraries.
Chrissy Allott
Librarian,
Berkshire Shared Services
Healthcare Library
Prospect Park Hospital
Honey End Lane
Reading RG30 4EJ
Tel: 0118 9605015
Fax: 0118 9605014
mailto: [log in to unmask]
Web: http://www.berkshire.nhs.uk/libraries
A new source of information: www.evidence.nhs.uk - lightning fast and reliable!
P Save Paper - Do you really need to print this e-mail?
-----Original Message-----
From: UK medical/ health care library community / information workers [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stella Hermiston
Sent: 16 March 2011 14:23
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Secure provision of local library services
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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