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-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Michael Clarke
Sent: 21 June 2005 17:05
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: "Rules and Regulations" leaflets

Just a point about plain English. It's a good goal to aim for, even if you still have to have a formal legal document somewhere in the background. One thing authorities might consider is getting a member of staff plain English trained (the Plain English Campaign run courses) so that they can write in a plain English style. This enables you to create documents easily - without having to have them reviewed externally - that are accessible in style. You can't use it to award yourself a Crystal Mark (the Campaign still has to do that) but it's probably not appropriate to submit every publication for accreditation - in terms of time and cost it isn't justified, so this is a good halfway house. Deciding at the start of the year on one or two key publications you will go for full accreditation on will show you mean business and demonstrate good will. Then of course there's the matter of simple English - to assist people with learning disabilities....

 

Michael Clarke
Director
London Libraries Development Agency
35 St Martin's Street
London
WC2H 7HP
t:   020 7641 5244
m: 07879 42 48 28
f:   020 7641 5266
e:  [log in to unmask]
www.llda.org.uk

-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Crishna Simmons
Sent: 21 June 2005 16:45
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: "Rules and Regulations" leaflets

After making various changes to our policies to remove barriers for our users, we are now looking at our existing publicity and any changes required to reflect the more user-friendly service. 

 

We are considering a total revamp of our existing Rules and Regulations leaflets (copies are given to new members), including a possible change of name and plain English wording instead of "legalese".  This is separate to the Byelaws - which are another matter altogether!

 

Such reflection inevitably led us to wonder what other authorities are doing/have changed in this particular instance.  I'd be very grateful to learn what the practise is elsewhere, especially if anyone has an electronic copy they are willing to share.  I will summarise responses for the list.

 

1.  Do you regularly hand out copies of a "Rules and Regs" type leaflet?  To new members?  Do you have a poster displayed instead/as well?

 

2.  Do you use the words "Rules and Regulations" or something else?  ("Terms and conditions"?  Perhaps something friendlier like "The Small Print"?)

 

3.  How "plain English" is the language in which they are written?

 

Your assistance is much appreciated!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Crishna Simmons
Senior Library Manager NW Surrey (Woking)

Library:      01483 770591
Voicemail:  01483 541511
Fax:          01483 756073

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