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One of the features which so many users of our service like, or used to like, is that we are NOT trying to sell something...encouraging serendipity, allowing free choice, users can browse, read magazines, borrow and request items, explore, investigate without too many obvious external pressures or expectations forced upon them. Why, when I hate having junk mail forced through my letter box daily, should I then impose it on the users of a library service...and the staff who are going to have to insert this stuff daily. Most people who have regularly to run and avoid the unwelcome gauntlet in train stations etc. of punters shoving worthless paper at them get very irritated..we all do! Its ironic that we have never thought to 'go down this road' to publicise our own unique services...but maybe we no longer value our resources in this over commercialised world? And in Scotland we don't tend to charge for internet services or language courses. We should never allow income generation to become the guiding criteria upon which we base our services. Finally, people DO pay for the Library Service...in the same way they pay for Health Care, Schools, Museums etc etc..Its called Civilisation -----Original Message----- From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Tanner Sent: 06 November 2007 12:21 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Library books get insert adverts .stable door and horse syndrome. We charge for Internet access (after a free hour, as do many other authorities) We charge for DVDs, language courses etc etc WEALTH has been a consideration for years. Income generation has been with us for years. > > -----Original Message----- > From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries > [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David McMenemy > Sent: 05 November 2007 23:44 > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Re: Library books get insert adverts > > Carnegie summed it up best when he said: > > "There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free > Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, > nor WEALTH receives the slightest consideration." > > You may not think it is a big deal, but it fundamentally changes the > relationship the public library has with its community and with its > history. > > > Unlikely to lead to planetary apocalypse, indeed, but more utterly > needless chipping away at a proud heritage, you betcha! > > -------------------------------------------------------------- > David McMenemy > Department of Computer and Information Sciences University of > Strathclyde Glasgow, Scotland > -------------------------------------------------------------- -- David Tanner Manager: Stock and Systems Adult and Community Services (Information) North Yorkshire County Council Library HQ 21 Grammar School Lane Northallerton North Yorkshire DL6 1DF Tel: 01609 533814 Fax: 01609 780793 email: [log in to unmask] WARNING This E-mail and any attachments may contain information that is confidential or privileged, and is intended solely for the use of the named recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, please be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or any action taken is prohibited and may be unlawful. Any opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily the view of the Council. North Yorkshire County Council. ************************************************************************ This email and files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended for the sole use of the individual or organisation to whom they are addressed. If you have received this eMail in error please notify the sender immediately and delete it without using, copying, storing, forwarding or disclosing its contents to any other person. The Council has endeavoured to scan this eMail message and attachments for computer viruses and will not be liable for any losses incurred by the recipient. ************************************************************************