-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Taylor [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 21 June 2011 11:36
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Latest news: Annie Mauger gives key speech at The Future of
Library Services in the Big Society conference
Latest news: Annie Mauger gives key speech at The Future of Library
Services
in the Big Society conference
CILIP CEO, Annie Mauger, spoke today about professionally led library
services in the Big Society. Annie stressed the importance of librarians
working in collaboration with communities:
"The Big Society is all about involvement. It's about communities
working
with professionals to make sure they get the best services. It's about
those
decisions being based on understanding and knowledge of what the options
are, the opportunities and potential of library services to open up
doors to
education, information and literacy in a safe and impartial
environment."
Annie stressed that professional staff understand the information needs
of
the communities they serve, and can plan to meet them. That librarians
are
trained to deliver impartiality, neutrality and safety. As a result
libraries are an impartial and trusted source of information.
She had words of caution for Councils considering completely handing
over
the running of libraries to local communities. That training,
co-ordinating
and supporting volunteers would need increased capacity. Also, that
volunteer-run libraries will only work in communities where people have
the
time, skills and access to funding to do so. In communities where people
and
families are struggling, where public library services are so vital,
they
are the least likely to be able to volunteer.
Also speaking at the
conference<http://www.neilstewartassociates.com/se252/>
were Libraries Minister Ed Vaizey, Chief Executive of Arts Council
England
Alan Davey and Natasha Innocent, Public Sector Partnership Manager for
Race
Online.
-ends-
Press contact:
Mark Taylor, Head of Corporate Marketing and Media Relations, CILIP
Tel: 020 7255 0654
Mobile: 07792 635 305
Email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
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