MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 3 June 2003
For immediate release  (Please copy to online discussion lists)

CILIP PROTESTS AT CLOSURE OF YORK MINSTER LIBRARY

Dispersal of 500-year old collection "to the detriment of scholarship and the community" 

CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals has expressed its "extreme disappointment" to the authorities at York Minster at the proposed dispersal of the Minster's library.  In a letter to the Canon Theologian Dr Jonathan Draper, CILIP's Chief Executive Bob McKee has made clear that the closure of the largest cathedral library in the country, an invaluable collection in continual existence since the 15th century, will be "to the detriment of scholarship".

Following concern expressed by members of CILIP's Library History Group, the Institute has warned that the dispersal will impact not only on study by members of the University of York but also by members of the public.  "Possible dispersal of elements of the collection to private ownership will make them inaccessible and reduce the community's study resources," it says.

Dismissing the proposal that some elements of the collection be kept in the Minster Archives, Dr McKee says: "An archive is not a library.  The concept of access sits at the heart of a library.  Archival access is frequently more restrictive to the student and the general user."  

CILIP has also urged that librarians' posts be maintained to manage the retained collection.  "We are concerned about the future employment of chartered librarians who have a unique knowledge of the collection and the needs of users," Dr McKee continues.  

"We deeply regret that the library is such a low priority to the Minster's Dean and Chapter," he concludes.  "The closure of the library publicly devalues the commitment of the Minster to education."

Contact:        Tim Buckley Owen, Head of External Relations.
                Tel: 020 7255 0652.     Email: [log in to unmask]


Notes to Editors

CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers, with over 23,700 members working in all sectors, including business and industry, science and technology, further and higher education, schools, local and central government, the health service, the voluntary sector, national and public libraries.

CILIP's goals are to: position the profession at the heart of the information revolution; develop and enhance the role and skills of all its Members; present and champion those skills, together with new ones which will be acquired through continuing professional development; and ensure that individuals, enterprises and not for profit organisations have ready and timely access to the information they need.


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