List members may be interested in the following initiative, launched today:

Librarians and library users raise their Voices For Libraries

A group of dedicated librarians and information professionals have set up
Voices for the Library, a campaigning website to share positive stories from
public libraries and librarians, provide factual information about library
usage in the UK and draw together the fragmented responses to the many
attacks on UK public library services. It is high time for library
professionals to be the voices for libraries. This campaign is an
opportunity for people to discuss why libraries and librarians are so
important, and why it is vital that they are run well and serve their
communities effectively.

Libraries have recently had a high profile in the media, as a result of the
threat of drastic cuts to library services across the UK. It is surprising
that the majority of people speaking in the media about the future of
libraries are not library users or library professionals and do not have the
necessary knowledge and understanding of what libraries are for and the
value they have. This site provides spokespeople for the media with a range
of professional expertise.

We are looking for contributions from the public who use libraries, the
libraries themselves, librarians, and other library staff. We want them to
give us their stories about what libraries and the excellent staff working
in libraries have done for them. We are also looking for contributions of
statistics and data that accurately demonstrate the impact and use of public
library services.

Only through these stories and with this information can the real voices of
libraries be heard. These are the voices of the people who use and love
libraries, and the voices of the profession who serve UK citizens by
providing public library services: local gateways to knowledge, providing a
basic condition for lifelong learning, independent decision-making and
cultural development of individuals and social groups.

Voices for the Library are not willing to allow cuts to libraries to slip by
without public outcry. This is an opportunity for people who know how
important libraries are to make their voices heard.

Information about Voices for the Library:

The campaign was set up in August 2010 with the following aims:

1. Share positive stories from public libraries and librarians.
2. Provide factual information about library usage in the UK.
3. Provide spokespeople for the media with a range of professional
expertise.

Notes for Editors:

Site: http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk
<http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/> . An 'About' page provides
information about the team of professionals behind the campaign and site.

If you require any further information please send an email to
[log in to unmask] <mailto:voicesforthelibrary.org.uk>  or
phone Lauren on 07503173894. She and Phil Bradley are available to interview
in person, by phone or email.

Contact Details:

Voices for the Library
Media and Communications Contact: Lauren Smith or Phil Bradley
Tel: (Lauren) 07503173894
Available 7am - 8pm Mon - Sat

[log in to unmask]
http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/ 

 

 

Bethan Ruddock

Content Development Officer, Library and Archival Services

Mimas

Mezzanine Floor, Devonshire House

The University of Manchester

M13 9QH

 

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