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I have just retruned to reading the letter from Tony Durcan re volunteerts in libraries. And it struck me. Membership fees for SCL, mainly Chief Librraians, are funded through local authotirites. Who of curse receive money from us, the public. So we are paying for this policy in a way. Do we ever get choice or vote on this specific issue? f Quote from letter:- SCL members are part of the local authority framework, and work to ensure that public libraries are in the best possible place in local government - locally and nationally. All SCL members aim to influence local authority policy, but they also work as part of the local team to implement their individual authority's requirements. Local authorities really are facing unprecedented financial challenges, and are having to consider new ways to protect services. The volunteering agenda is just one example of that. As the policy states, SCL supports volunteering. In some cases local policy will mean that this can result in job substitution. As I have pointed out, SCL's view is that volunteering must be contained within that professionally managed and delivered framework, and the Society will work with colleagues and partners to try and ensure this is the case. SCL is funded through local authority subscriptions, and operates through its Executive (to which individual Chief Librarians are appointed on either a regional or elected basis) and through its regional branches. The Society is the local government network to support the development of public libraries. It has strong links with the LGA and other local and central government bodies and agencies. Frances Hendrix Martin House Farm, Hilltop Lane, Whittle le Woods, Chorley, Lancs, PR6 7QR Tel: 01257 274 833. Mobile: 0777 55 888 03