True...I guess we can say 'comprehensive' means both geographically and
the range of resources.
Interestingly, that extract does seem to imply a comprehensive range of
materials. It would surely then cover the need for sufficient provision
of Internet access points? After all, the Internet provides access to a
range of materials and it therefore follows that there is a need to
provide sufficient access points to meet the 'special requirements of
adults and children'.
Just thinking in terms of the old computers v book space argument.
Ian Clark
Library Systems Officer,
Augustine House,
Canterbury Christ Church University
Email: [log in to unmask]
Tel. 01227 767700 ext 3141
-----Original Message-----
From: Liz Chapman [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 18 March 2011 14:04
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: On the meaning of 'comprehensive' (Public Libraries and
Museums Act, 1964)
I wouldn't say it's geographic range "rather than" range of materials,
but "in addition to". The Act goes on to say:
"a library authority shall in particular have regard to the desirability
of securing, by the keeping of adequate stocks, by arrangements with
other library authorities, and by any other appropriate means, that
facilities are available for the borrowing of, or reference to, books
and other printed matter, and pictures, gramophone records, films and
other materials, sufficient in number, range and quality to meet the
general requirements and any special requirements both of adults and
children"
Which does seem to imply a comprehensive range of materials - although I
completely agree we need geographic coverage too - otherwise we are
failing to meet people's requirements in a different way!
Liz
On Fri, Mar 18, 2011 at 8:53 AM, Ian Clark <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
I agree with Martyn. My understanding of 'comprehensive' was
related to
geographic range of the service rather than 'providing a full
range of
education ranging from technical to academic'. Which is why
many of the
proposals going around at the moment are very concerning. Many
rural
areas will be left without any library provision at all, whilst
those in
urban centres are protected. A library service weighted in this
way
cannot be accurately described as being 'comprehensive'.
Ian Clark
Library Systems Officer,
Augustine House,
Canterbury Christ Church University
Email: [log in to unmask]
Tel. 01227 767700 ext 3141
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