I heard this news recently via a non librarian friend who is from York. I
wondered what sort of protest would be made.
By contrast I visited Canterbury Cathedral a couple of weekends ago. The
library there appears to be thriving. At Canterbury visitors are charged £4
to enter the precincts and cathedral which surprised me but which presumably
ensures that services are maintained.
Jackie Fishleigh
Librarian
Payne Hicks Beach
10 New Square
Lincoln's Inn
London
WC2A 3QG
-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Buckley Owen [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 03 June 2003 17:36
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: CILIP PROTESTS AT CLOSURE OF YORK MINSTER LIBRARY
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.
- Ends -
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