In Islington Central Reference Library we have had displays on
citizenship, london history, science (women scientists), statistics, the
environemnt and ecology etc. We also produce factsheets on a wide number
of subjects and produce an information based blog
http://islingtonblogs.typepad.com/infoislington/?utm_content=izzi|referr
al
Alan Wylie
Librarian
Islington
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Dolan
Sent: 28 November 2011 15:42
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Access to the Word
1. Emptying my mind ...
May I just ask colleagues to take time to look at a piece which Voices
for the Library have kindly posted at http://bit.ly/rOBXZn
We make little of the library providing non-fiction works and now,
supported use of the web and e-resources. Around a third of books
borrowed from public libraries are non-fiction; then there are music
scores and sets (what about Wakefield?), homework resources, Reference
Online, other e-resources, study support , Citizens' information, remote
access and so on.
We talk of the Information Society, the Knowledge Economy and claim a
critical role for libraries in our future prosperity. We headline
libraries as places for information and learning, where people meet and
share ideas. They are the only open-for-free democratic space that we
have; the only place where you don't have to pay to stay.
This is true, yet we infrequently explore in detail or campaign for the
information and learning side of the public library offer. Is there a
concern for the range and depth of non-fiction coverage in your average
library? We can reserve material; but we also want to browse and find,
look around, be prompted by the books just being there. Are they there?
There was a question on Lis-pub-libs a few months ago asking for ideas
around non-fiction displays. I didn't see the responses but it made me
think. Going into the library you'll see light stuff - gardening, food;
there'll be occasional stuff - Christmas, sport; there'll likely be
local history.
Does it go much further? Do any libraries have displays on politics or
economics? Public finances? The political parties, government,
citizenship, rights? Education, school, university education? Science,
industry, manufacturing? Religion and philosophy? Important subjects in
our time. The library is a place to find.
We display what we are asked to - planning applications, proposed
changes to parliamentary constituency boundaries, college courses, but
do librarians promote proactively? From topical subject to universal
truths. What's the market?
2. Occupying my mind ...
There must be a need. We have all read of the libraries that have been
developed at the Occupy sites in New York, London and elsewhere.
Whatever your politics they have shown that when people gather with a
purpose they need to refresh, nurture, re-make their ideas.
There's some fantastic you tube coverage: If you want to be uplifted,
watch Eric in the People's Library http://bit.ly/vgsMmq. If you want to
feel low see the police removing the OWS People's Library from Zucotti
square http://bit.ly/sUKuAO . Now the Guardian Books blog tells Occupy
London Library has two branches! http://bit.ly/ujLHLz .
I'm not suggesting that libraries are innately seditious or that public
libraries should stir it up unduly but let's get real. A free society
cannot work without the free exchange of information and ideas; for the
general community there is no other place for this. There is no other
place for this.
Yes I wrote it twice. It needs saying again and again ... over to you.
Thank you
John
John Dolan OBE
E. [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Tw. @johnrdolan
T. 0121 476 4258
M. 07508 204200
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