The Bookseller asked Laura Swaffield, Chair of The Library Campaign for her

2014 predictions which are published today:

 

2014 could go either way... either an accelerating mad rush to mass closures, job losses and dodgy 'volunteer' libraries - ignoring huge public protests...

or...

Vaizey will admit that libraries aren't all 'thriving' - and do something.

Librarians' associations will promote the value of libraries, and librarians.

ACE will stop ignoring library users.

Councils will realise their local libraries are a cheap, flexible, multi-use resource.

LGA will appoint specialists to advise on non-destructive savings - and quietly twist some reluctant arms.

www.publiclibrariesnews.com will get proper funding for its widely-used, respected information and analysis. Because nobody else does it.

The Reading Agency and SCL will do great development work as always - but no longer in a vacuum.

CIPFA statistics will be analysed to identify successful services - and how they do it.

Libraries will be funded for IT access, more vital than ever.

The Library Campaign will be able to stop complaining.

Silly me. Just dreaming...

 

 

 

 

Frances Hendrix

Martin House Farm, Hilltop Lane, Whittle le Woods, Chorley, Lancs, PR6 7QR

Tel:  01257 274 833.   Mobile: 0777 55 888 03