“What Future for Public Libraries?”: One of the most
contentious but important social questions of
today
‘Public libraries press all the strategic buttons but are
low on the government’s list of priorities and attract insufficient funds to
develop their real potential. There are urgent questions to be asked about the
governance and funding of public libraries at a national and local level’
A new paper published by the Laser Foundation tackles the issues involved.
The Rt Hon Chris Smith, MP and formerly Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at the DCMS, now Director of the Clore Leadership Foundation, said about the paper
“Public libraries represent one of our most treasured –
and valuable – services. This far-reaching Report shows how they can hold
fast to their core purpose but shape new services for the modern world
too. It is full of interesting and daring ideas, and deserves careful
consideration by everyone both inside and outside the libraries
world.”
The discussion paper and a follow on conference (see
below), are the outcome of three intensive working days for the library leaders
of the future, sponsored by the Laser Foundation in
2004.
Among the paper’s conclusions are
that
- There will continue to be a need for a
public library service which is “free at the point of delivery”; there will
also be a need for premium services (Section 4) which may be home delivery,
professional research services, access to the national back catalogue etc, all
of which should be on a full cost recovery basis (Section
14).
- Library services must follow retailing in
being “customer-led” (Section 5).
- The introduction of Radio Frequency
Identification systems into libraries may revolutionise allocation of staff
time (Section 6).
- In a world of rapid social and
technological change libraries too must learn both to change and to encourage
the careers of those who can manage change (Section
6).
- Library staff may have to adopt a
corporate appearance, wearing uniform, or adhering to a dress code. They must spend more time “on
the floor”, and be as well trained as good shop assistants in customer
relations. Good staff must
be properly paid; less than adequate staff must be helped to leave (Section
9).
- Management skills are in short supply;
library school syllabuses are out of touch with today’s needs (Section
9).
- The division of responsibility for
libraries between national and local government is serving the public
badly. A radical change in
both governance and method of funding is needed (Section
10).
- In the future there will be no “one size
fits all” library. Each
will reflect local needs.
Some will share a site with other local services, or with commercial
premises; others may be “virtual”
This discussion paper and the conference will take
forward the debate on the future of public libraries, particularly how public
libraries should be funded and where governance should
lie.
Notes
1. To download copies of the full paper visit http://www.futuresgroup.org.uk and go
to the Publications section. To request a printed copy to be posted or emailed
contact
2. Laser Foundation. Created from the transfer of the
Laser Company and the transfer of funds, into the grant making trust The Laser
Foundation, in 2001. It funds projects, research, development and related
activities supporting the public library sector. For more information contact
the Company secretary,
Email:
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3. Futures Group. A Group of middle managers of public
libraries who came together under the auspices of the Laser Foundation. See web
site to download copies of the paper and to comment, at http://www.futuresgroup.org.uk
4. The conference