Yes I understood that, thanks
f
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Clark, Ian ([log in to unmask])
Sent: 17 January 2013 12:00
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: National Libraries Day 2013
Thanks Frances. I should make clear, however, that the letter on our website is not from us...we merely shared it on our site to give it the publicity we felt it deserved.
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Frances Hendrix
Sent: 17 January 2013 11:58
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: National Libraries Day 2013
This is difficult isn't it Ian.
In a way that you have to put the last sentence in on your views only, says it all.
The letter from 'Voices for the Library' is one of the most relevant statement of what is happening to public libraries now. Perhaps many of those working in libraries feel what is the point, is it worth celebrating a service which is so little valued by government and local authorities? Maybe those in charge at the local lever feel it wold be hypocritical to celebrate a service they are having to emasculate and kill?
Maybe if the focus was more about not celebrating but striving and supporting the future of libraries and the fight to maintain them there may be more support?
All best wishes and I hope you are successful but I can see the irony of it all!
f
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Clark, Ian ([log in to unmask])
Sent: 17 January 2013 11:49
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: National Libraries Day 2013
Despite the great success of last year, with people from across the country celebrating the many different manifestations of the library service, it is disappointing to learn that many authorities still do not seem to grasp (or perhaps even care) what National Libraries Day is all about. Like last year, a number of authorities appear to be either doing nothing at all, or actively advising staff that they should neither promote or engage in the event (I know this certainly happened last year). This is very sad and disappointing and demands challenging by any means possible.
Let us all be absolutely clear on what National Libraries Day is all about: it is about celebrating the library service provided by local authorities and the staff that work within them. This is not about campaigning against closures or cuts, this is about celebration of a valued service. It is a unique and valuable opportunity for local authorities to promote their library service and encourage people within their local community to either celebrate or re-discover their service. Is this not something we should all be supporting? Should we not all be grasping any opportunity that comes along to promote the value of the library service? In the absence of a national advertising campaign for libraries, this is the best opportunity we all have to promote the public libraries. Whilst some seem to grasp this, others are either ignorant to the opportunities such an event provides, or simply do not care (or worse, do not think their staff or library users are worthy of engaging in celebration).
That this needs to be pointed out (again) is deeply depressing. What are we for if not to promote the value of libraries? Here is your opportunity to do so. Don't punish your service, your users and destroy the morale of your staff by failing to grasp the opportunity presented before you.
To those of you who have embraced the ethos of National Libraries Day - thank you for grasping it. To those of you who either refuse to engage or threaten staff if they dare to celebrate their workplace and what it means to the local community, shame on you. Get a grip on your service before it slips through your fingers.
(In case there is any doubt, I am speaking here only for myself and not for any organisation I am associated with.)
Ian Clark
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