This debate has begun to show what a complex issue this is, and yet one
of the factors that stimulated the debate in Nottingham has not yet been
touched upon.
I would not argue for a second against minimising barriers to using
library services - we can all do much more in that direction. We, in
Nottingham, are loosening ours. Kevin, as always, sets out a strong case
for the thinking that should underpin the steps we should be taking in
that direction. Many of us also thrill at the prospect of arguing with
the auditors about their proposed controls.
BUT......let's not forget that, for some people, life is more serious
than this - and I'm not talking about the non-return of books.
What happens when somebody uses the library to carry out a campaign of
racial/sexual harassment or 'just' threatens violent conduct via e-mail?
If a victim of this is aware that it is being conducted via publicly
funded facilities, do they (and the police/courts) not have a reasonable
expectation that the library should be able to provide evidence that can
stand up in a court and, ultimately, assist the safety of that
individual? Add child protection into the pot and the mix gets seriously
complicated. In this (real-life) scenario, uncontrolled access can
endanger individual safety.
Banning a 'guilty party' from using our facilities merely allows the
horse to bolt elsewhere to continue the campaign after the stable door
is gently closed behind him (+ it usually is a 'him').
Safer and stronger communities, along with health and well-being, are
just as high on the strategic radar as increasing access to services,
and higher in that well-known hierarchy of needs.
I am not an advocate of stronger 'membership' controls (certainly not to
provide fodder for the bureaucrats). I am an advocate of making
libraries part of a safe community. I haven't reached my own conclusion
on this yet. These are complex issues, colleagues, and your views are
welcome.
Brian Ashley
Assistant Director - Libraries, Information and Communications
Nottingham City Council
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