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Oh John really, It was a good article and it was from a users point of view. Maybe this is what the Brent users want, and it did sound lovely. Yes Benedict and many others know all the things libraries do now, in fact I think the article articulated the safe place it provides, the children using it, this was not the article to preach about all the other services. And when those dedicated people do go to the streets and the press, they cant spend time listing ALL that many libraries do, they are concerned about the place and the books primarily. Who are the 'WE' you keep referring to? Many many people are doing a lot, many campaign groups, getting onto TV, radio, the press, many are library supporters doing a grand job, some being very unprofessionally pilloried on web sites like that awful get Tim Coates nasty web site. Are these library staff doing that? Why shoot down some one fighting for libraries. he may not cover it all, he may not know it all, people may not like him personally, but my God he has raised the profile of public libraries more than any one else. Also with the wonderful Shirley Burnham, Alan Gibbons, Desmond Clarke etc. Take comfort John from what is being published that is supportive, and make the 'WE' you., YOU start the group, put up an agenda, hold a meeting, gather the masses, lobby, write to MPs, write to the press get others to do the same. Yes 'we'; could have done more, better, quicker, BUT WE didn't. Too many took a back seat, And the sector was divided and did not work as one, jealousies often broke up what was great and some were too timid to put toes in the water.Some had no long term vision.Some ignored opportunities if other sectors or groups were involved. WE should have been braver then, and should be now. Don't ask what your library sector can do for you, ask what you can do for your library sector!! f Frances Hendrix Martin House Farm, Hilltop Lane, Whittle le Woods, Chorley, Lancs PR6 7QR, UK tel: 01257 274 833. fax: 01257 266 488 email: [log in to unmask] ----- Original Message ----- From: John Dolan To: 'Frances Hendrix' ; [log in to unmask] Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 1:24 PM Subject: RE: excellent article:Public Libraries - Not so! Hi Frances, I don't think this is especially excellent. Benedicte knows and could do better. - it takes the closures as a given - the picture gives an old-fashioned library image - it doesn't say anything about o the diversity of library services delivered through this and other libraries, notwithstanding the building o children, young people, excluded groups, literacy, digital divide, community needs, rural access etc etc o net access [millions of hours of use], reference online, Enquire, increased borrowing, reader development, summer reading challenge, local and family history, health info', skilled info-searching, research etc etc We still need to get positive information and messages across to people, not least influencers including journalists Look at the efforts of librarians, mostly working in non-public library sectors which is amazing in itself. Look at these presentations for both inspiration and ideas http://prezi.com/if9wccvvunup/escaping-the-echo-chamber/ for - accurate information - a motivated, forward-looking view - a productive, outward-looking approach to advocacy And don't be misled; librarians in all sectors [see CILIP's survey] felt the need for advocacy to support their efforts. Urgent need to - promote "the library idea" - the fundamental common ground shared by libraries in all sectors - promote the benefits of and need for libraries - promote it outside the library community Join http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/wordpress/ .A new generation of library workers are doing fantastic things. Join them and help . and tell all your friends and neighbours. John John Dolan OBE, BA, Dip Lib, MCLIP E. [log in to unmask] Tw @johnrdolan T. 0121 476 4258 M. 07508 204200 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Frances Hendrix Sent: 08 January 2011 12:49 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: excellent article:Public Libraries Saturday January 8 2011 The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/jan/07/library-closures-brent-council Frances Hendrix Martin House Farm, Hilltop Lane, Whittle le Woods, Chorley, Lancs PR6 7QR, UK tel: 01257 274 833. fax: 01257 266 488 email: [log in to unmask] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1191 / Virus Database: 1435/3366 - Release Date: 01/07/11