Yes it really is very worrying, it just echoes the proposals in Lambeth to a large degree and fits snuggly within the same old neoliberal agenda, also the bit about co-location with leisure centres etc does nothing to cement the message that the core role of libraries is, or should be, about education and learning, in fact it will only make them easier to divest!
I agree about a national development/strategy body but it has to be independent and with teeth!
Alan Wylie
www.dontprivatiselibraries.blogspot.com
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Laura Swaffield
Sent: 20 December 2012 15:05
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Summary Labour's Policy Review
For those who can't yet face reading's Labour's policy review in full, previously sent, here's the press release.
It contains few surprises.
Laura Swaffield
The Library Campaign
*A Press Release from the office of: *
*Dan Jarvis MP*
*Labour Member of Parliament for Barnsley Central* *Shadow Culture Minister*
*_Labour's Policy Review - Libraries: Innovation, Co-location and
Partnership_*
**Building innovative partnerships with community groups, charities and businesses will drive up standards and increase user-ship*.**
**A framework of 'co-location' will ensure libraries can work with local theatres, community services and leisure centres*.**
Today Dan Jarvis MP will publish a Policy Review document articulating the importance and potential of libraries in our communities. The document will detail why libraries matter in the 21^st century and will look at ways to develop the library agenda at a time of economic austerity.
Jarvis stated "In a One Nation society, libraries should be at the heart of our communities, providing services which are vitally needed at a local level. To inform this work for Labour's Policy Review, I have travelled across the country and have seen fantastic examples of libraries which combine the core purpose of lending books with IT accessibility and a range of other important community services through co-location and forging partnerships.
"In 2011, 130 libraries were reported as closed or handed over to volunteers, with hundreds more now under threat. Instead of providing much needed support, the Government has repeatedly underplayed the seriousness of the problem libraries are facing. There is no sense of urgency, no coherent strategic direction and no real guidance for councils.
"This work highlights both the potential for libraries in our communities, and underlines David Cameron and Ed Vaizey's appalling lack of action".
*ENDS***
Notes to Editors.
Labour's Policy Review is a comprehensive process of discussion, engagement and policy development.
To inform this work Dan Jarvis MP has met with library users, library campaigners, librarians and other stakeholders. He has also conducted a national tour of libraries to view services first hand.
_Today, he will be visiting a library in Rotherham and will be available for interviews on request. _
_Please contact Kamella Hopkins on 07595927740 to arrange_.
Work undertaken as part of the Policy Review will feed into Partnership into Power, the democratic process by which Labour develops its policy programme.
*Kamella Hopkins*
*Office of Dan Jarvis MP*
*Member of Parliament for Barnsley Central*
portcullis
Office 4/17
1 Parliament St
London
SW1A OAA
T- 0207 219 1082
M- 07595927740
E- www.danjarvismp.co.uk
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