11 March 2005
CILIP Backs Call For Action On Public Libraries
CILIP has welcomed the report of the Culture Media and Sport Committee inquiry into public libraries. CILIP Chief Executive Bob McKee, who gave evidence to the Committee, said, "It is heartening to see the Committee's recognition of the value of local library services and the esteem in which library staff are held by local people. The report puts libraries at the heart of their local communities and also puts a welcome emphasis on the importance of books and reading."
CILIP supports the call for action contained in the report to improve public library services. "We need more consistency and better quality of services across the country, and CILIP welcomes the Committee's call for stronger Service Standards and more effective processes of regulation and performance improvement. The work we are doing with the Audit Commission and other partners on future arrangements for Comprehensive Performance Assessment will help to achieve this. There are also important messages in the report about library staff and CILIP will take these on board in our new Framework of Qualifications and our work with partners like MLA and Lifelong Learning UK on library workforce development."
The report calls for a rigorous examination of library stock procurement and Bob pointed out that this is already in hand. "I am confident," said Bob, " that the work commissioned by MLA under the Framework for the Future Action Plan will provide clear guidance on a more effective procurement system."
But improvement also requires investment - particularly in library buildings. "CILIP has argued for a long time that library buildings need substantial investment and we strongly support the Committee's call for an action plan to achieve this," commented Bob. "This is not something that can be left to the Private Finance Initiative or the opportunism of local development deals - it needs a strategic approach and a three-way public funding partnership between central government, local authorities, and the Lottery."
The report recognises the important role of libraries in tackling social exclusion and this was welcomed by Guy Daines, Head of Policy and Governance at CILIP. "Libraries should be equally accessible to everyone and that includes people with special needs. The Committee is right to call for a coordinated policy on access to library services for people with disabilities."
Equal access means a core service which is free at the point of use and CILIP President Maggie Haines, who also gave evidence to the Committee, was pleased to see the report's recommendation that libraries should not levy charges for access to the Peoples Network. "Electronic resources are part of the core service of every library these days," commented Maggie, "and it is only by providing free access that libraries can help to bridge the digital divide that exists in our society."
"The report speaks up for the positive brand value of the word 'library' and argues that the service needs to develop on sound foundations as a trusted civic amenity giving local people access to knowledge in all its forms," concluded Bob McKee. "The Committee has put forward important recommendations for the future of the public library service and CILIP will be pressing the government to give the report serious consideration and a positive response."
For more information on the report, and to leave your own comments, please visit: http://www.managinginformation.com/Forum/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=128
|
News Stories 
