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List members may be interested in the following initiative, launched today: Librarians and library users raise their Voices For Libraries A group of dedicated librarians and information professionals have set up Voices for the Library, a campaigning website to share positive stories from public libraries and librarians, provide factual information about library usage in the UK and draw together the fragmented responses to the many attacks on UK public library services. It is high time for library professionals to be the voices for libraries. This campaign is an opportunity for people to discuss why libraries and librarians are so important, and why it is vital that they are run well and serve their communities effectively. Libraries have recently had a high profile in the media, as a result of the threat of drastic cuts to library services across the UK. It is surprising that the majority of people speaking in the media about the future of libraries are not library users or library professionals and do not have the necessary knowledge and understanding of what libraries are for and the value they have. This site provides spokespeople for the media with a range of professional expertise. We are looking for contributions from the public who use libraries, the libraries themselves, librarians, and other library staff. We want them to give us their stories about what libraries and the excellent staff working in libraries have done for them. We are also looking for contributions of statistics and data that accurately demonstrate the impact and use of public library services. Only through these stories and with this information can the real voices of libraries be heard. These are the voices of the people who use and love libraries, and the voices of the profession who serve UK citizens by providing public library services: local gateways to knowledge, providing a basic condition for lifelong learning, independent decision-making and cultural development of individuals and social groups. Voices for the Library are not willing to allow cuts to libraries to slip by without public outcry. This is an opportunity for people who know how important libraries are to make their voices heard. Information about Voices for the Library: The campaign was set up in August 2010 with the following aims: 1. Share positive stories from public libraries and librarians. 2. Provide factual information about library usage in the UK. 3. Provide spokespeople for the media with a range of professional expertise. Notes for Editors: Site: http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk <http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/> . An 'About' page provides information about the team of professionals behind the campaign and site. If you require any further information please send an email to [log in to unmask] <mailto:voicesforthelibrary.org.uk> or phone Lauren on 07503173894. She and Phil Bradley are available to interview in person, by phone or email. Contact Details: Voices for the Library Media and Communications Contact: Lauren Smith or Phil Bradley Tel: (Lauren) 07503173894 Available 7am - 8pm Mon - Sat [log in to unmask] http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/ Bethan Ruddock Content Development Officer, Library and Archival Services Mimas Mezzanine Floor, Devonshire House The University of Manchester M13 9QH email: <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] tel: 0161 275 0935 web: <http://copac.ac.uk> http://copac.ac.uk <http://archiveshub.ac.uk> http://archiveshub.ac.uk twitter: @copac @archiveshub blogs: <http://copac.ac.uk/blog/> http://copac.ac.uk/blog/ <http://copac.ac.uk/development-blog/> http://copac.ac.uk/development-blog/ <http://archiveshub.ac.uk/blog> http://archiveshub.ac.uk/blog