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And the pishy reply.. Rhona Rhona Arthur Assistant Director, CILIPS/SLIC Ist Floor, Building C Brandon Gate Leechlee Road Hamilton ML3 6AU Tel: +44 1 698 458888 Fax: +44 1 698 283170 email: [log in to unmask] email: [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Frances Hendrix [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 28 April 2004 08:38 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Press Release from the Laser Foundation - 'Who's in Charge?' What utter nonsense John If there is a crusade it is to secure a firm and relevant future for the public library sector. If you were better informed you would be aware of the work the Foundation is doing or has announced it wants to do., and this involves consulting with those working in the sector at just below chief level, and asking them to inform us and discuss with us the future of the sector., and some vital work to measure the impact and value the public library adds to the government key objectives. Tim Coates views have been around for some time. After careful discussion by Laser Foundation trustees, the view was taken that his views needed testing and discussing, and needed to be based on a 'real' set of library data. Hampshire were brave enough to do this, and were ideal, as they are implementing a major change programme to improve the library service. The Foundation has said in its press release that they do not necessarily agree with all of the authors' comments, but that these arguments needed to be aired, and if necessary proved wrong! A healthy productive debate which will get rid of some of the myths, reveal the truth and take things forward. If Tim is wrong this can be proved, if he is right, we need to make changes (in all or part) Several Laser Foundation members, including eminent heads of service, and others with significant experience as chiefs and in other high profile work, went on radio and TV and gave excellent comments about the report and where it was right or misplaced, this gave a very high profile to the sector. They said in fact the Tim Coats had some valid points and change was needed to be made., but they also put the case for the whole range of services and support the public library offers. As for only looking at our own navel this is just absurd. Any organisation, business etc MUST take cognisance of its critics, competitors, users, or curl up and die, as they will continue to get it wrong. Looking from the inside in is fraught with dangers, as often others perceptions of what you do, is in fact the reality, you just cant see it as you are inside it. We, at the Laser Foundation have a mission and vision to improve and help develop and sustain the public library sector, we are offering funding to help do that. What are you doing John Briggs? Frances Hendrix Company Secretary -----Original Message----- From: Chartered Library and Information Professionals [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Briggs Sent: 27 April 2004 13:25 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Press Release from the Laser Foundation - 'Who's in Charge?' Girling, Henry wrote: > > Who's in Charge?, a report published w/b 26 April 2004, makes an > important contribution towards the quickening tempo of debate about > the public library service. The title itself suggests confusion about > authority and responsibility. All those with a stake in the public > library service, the government and its agencies, independent critics, > local authorities, librarians and the public themselves, need to not > only address and answer the question, Who's in Charge? but decide who > it is that can deal with the other major questions raised by this > report, and in a sensible time frame. It is written by Tim Coates, > published by Libri and funded by the library charity the Laser > Foundation. > Summer must be upon us already: we now have the latest instalment of the Laser Foundation's crusade against public libraries - following the ridiculous 'Overdue' report last year. You certainly get some startling ideas when an outsider rides his hobby horses - I particularly admire the hubris of issuing instructions to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - but I still maintain that to get any real insight you require the approach of a library professional from outside the public library service. John Briggs