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It's always assumed, mistakenly, that borrowing is *only* the result of demand. Needs are met, creating usage, by priorities, strategies, marketing and evaluation. I wrote to BBC Today after this morning's broadcast: "Children's use of libraries has grown for three reasons - Library managers have focussed on children's reading [reducing spend elsewhere and in the midst of annual cuts over many years] - more and better writing for children and young adults in the UK - national promotional programmes coordinated by libraries with charitable partners Adult library services have focussed on needs - adult literacy and related skills, information services and digital innovation [like Enquire the 24/7 enquiry service] as well as leisure reading. Visits to services and activities, walk-in and virtual, is the better measure, not just the number of book loans. What's gone - for both modernisation, economy and better value - is Government leadership, guidance and standards with its modest but effective investment in development. As well as local authority's duty to provide "comprehensive and efficient" services for communities, the Secretary of State is required by law to "superintend and promote" public libraries. This is not happening. Public libraries do play a key part in social and economic improvement when geared to needs. They should be a cornerstone of any social/economic strategy such as Big Society - access, involvement, skill, ownership. There is no other community-based institution providing the library's place and resource. At present they are in danger of closing or being deliberately and mischievously designed to stereotype at the weak end of cultural life." John Dolan OBE, BA, Dip Lib, MCLIP E. <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [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: 18 February 2011 10:30 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: recent bibs and bobs http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/features/Dont-leave-library-users-on.67190 48.jp NB There was also a discussion on BBC Radio TODAY at 8.55 am this morning Press Association : 18th February Children's authors dominate list Figures released for the year 2009-10 by library royalty body Public Lending Rights show children's borrowing has been on the rise for the past few years. Only four of the top 10 authors in 2006 were writing for children, and this has steadily grown. Almost 80% of five to 10-year-olds now use public libraries, according to the data. <http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iXaHMpCqP_UPFj66E1vI DcMclQOw?docId=N0020791297966934665A> http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iXaHMpCqP_UPFj66E1vID cMclQOw?docId=N0020791297966934665A THE INDEPENDENT : 18th February Boyd Tonkin: Blessed are the truth-tellers Heroes and zeros on the shelves What did you do in the Great Library War, Mummy and Daddy? Like any long drawn-out conflict, the national struggle to save libraries has begun to throw up its heroes - and its appeasers. Foremost among the first group is Philip Pullman (right), whose much-linked barnstormer of a speech at Oxford Town Hall has stiffened the sinews of anti-cuts campaigners around the country. In the opposite camp, Roy Clare - chief of the doomed museums and libraries quango the MLA - has proved (let us charitably say) less than militant in fighting for his patch. If this is the level of "leadership" the befuddled MLA can offer in a crisis, then no one will mourn its passing much. <http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/boyd-tonkin- blessed-are-the-truthtellers-2218092.html> http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/boyd-tonkin-b lessed-are-the-truthtellers-2218092.html _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3450 - Release Date: 02/17/11