“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
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