 |
 |
I didn't write the report Mark, and the Laser Foundation funded the report but as we say in the foreword, that doesn't mean we agree with every word or recommendation.But we do feel there are some good points and that the debate needs to be more urgent with more action, and certainly the level of interest in what is happening in the sector is now greater. Maybe we can use this concern to improve the rate of change for the better? My reference to McDonalds was only that we need to maintain the same level of service and quality (and yes I know McDonalds isn't necessarily quality to us all, and well aware the staff there are underpaid) in every library in the country. I have suggested elsewhere that library staff salaries are not high, and that some sort of bench marking needs to be undertaken. I am well aware that some libraries are horrendously understaffed and under resourced, and that change is vital. f ________________________________ From: Chartered Library and Information Professionals [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mark Benjamin Sent: 03 May 2004 18:04 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Press Release from the Laser Foundation - 'Who's in Charge?' Frances Sorry, I may have misunderstood - but are you seriously suggesting that, if only in staffing terms, we should be more like McDonalds? Have you not heard the derisive term "McJobs" to imply underpaid and unmotivated posts? More seriously, some authorities currently have barely enough staff to keep the branch network open and not enough to keep the mobiles on the road. I currently provide two thirds of the professional cover for the entire west of Northumberland and our senior management team, with responsibility for arts and heritage in addition to 38 brances and mobiles, consists of 3 - efficient enough, I would think, for even Laser and Tim Coates. Not, however, a model that I would think of recommending to anybody and certainly not one that will allow developments such as extending opening hours - however much we might wish to do so. Mark Benjamin 9 Hencotes, Hexham NE46 2EQ Northumberland Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com