“Enough is enough!” MP demands action on public library leadership
Lyn Brown MP has called for firm action to develop stronger national leadership of public libraries. She believes the public library service is highly valued at local level, but currently lacks the leadership to drive the case for libraries in national and local Government.
In a strongly worded speech at the CILIP Public Libraries Authorities Conference on 9 October, she said “Where is our strategic and political direction? Where is our leadership? Public libraries need a single-minded sense of purpose linked to an understanding of the bigger picture.
“I am convinced these issues can only be addressed by a focused National Library Development Agency that does not restrain local initiative or dilute local flavour, works in partnership with library deliverers to create and seek partnerships, and provides support, adds value, and ensures advocacy”.
Ms Brown said the aim of the Agency would be to work regionally, but also nationally, to develop libraries’ brand and begin to resolve fundamental concerns about library purpose and function. It should be light touch and guided by a cross-sector partnership board.
Bob McKee, Chief Executive of CILIP: The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, welcomed the speech, and said “I fully support Lyn’s comments and agree that the public library service needs stronger leadership and governance at national level; that works closely with local government authorities.
“I look forward to working with Lyn and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the parliamentary enquiry. This enquiry will work in tandem with the modernisation review of England’s public services, announced by the Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, also at the CILIP PLA Conference.”
Lyn Brown called for librarians and information professionals to engage with the debate about leadership. She said: “I want you to work with us on this venture – suggest topics and frame questions, submit evidence, nominate witnesses, be radical or reactionary but please – above all else – engage!
“How should libraries be owned, funded and managed? How are leadership qualities enhanced? How do we improve recruitment and retention? How do we develop local political engagement? There are so many potential lines of enquiry but over the coming days we will boil the programme down to the wicked issues so that we are focused.”
The full text of Lynn Brown’s speech is available on CILIP’s website as a pdf. Read extracts on CILIP's Update magazine Blog where comments are invited. Comment can be made directly to Lyn Brown at brownl@parliament.uk.
Lyn Brown MP Personal Profile
Lyn Brown is a passionate long-time supporter of public libraries. On her election to Parliament in 2005, she was appointed Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Libraries, Literacy and Information Management. She has actively developed the APPG as a locus for policy discussion linking public library provision to broader social and community agendas.
At this year’s AGM, in July, the APPG agreed to undertake an Inquiry into the leadership and governance of the public library service in England, along the lines of a Select Committee Inquiry. CILIP and the National Literacy Trust (supported by Insight PA Ltd) provide the secretariat to the APPG.
Press Contacts:
David Hemy
Parliamentary Assistant, Office of Lyn Brown MP
Tel: 020 7219 6999
Email: hemyd@parliament.uk
Mark Taylor
Head of Corporate Marketing & Media Relations, CILIP
Tel: 020 7255 0654
Email: mark.taylor@cilip.org.uk
Notes to Editors
1. About CILIP
CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals is the leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers. It forms a community of around 36,000 people engaged in library and information work, of whom around 21,000 are CILIP members and around 15,000 are regular customers of CILIP Enterprises.
Visit www.cilip.org.uk for more information about CILIP.
2. About Lyn Brown MP
Lyn has been Labour MP for West Ham in the East End of London since May 2005. In 2006 she became PPS to Phil Woolas when he was Minister of State in the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), and since June 2007 Lyn has been PPS to John Denham, Secretary of State in the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).
Previously Lyn served as a Councillor in the London Borough of Newham, from 1988 until her election to Parliament. In Newham, Lyn held the Cultural Services portfolio which included responsibility for public library provision.
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Updated: 19 December 2008