CILIP support public libraries
“We’ve seen Wirral Borough Council make a u-turn on library closures following local campaigns and a public enquiry. That’s a welcome move, but the financial problems faced by Wirral and other local councils won’t go away. Clear guidance is needed on what local councils are expected to provide in their role as Public Library Authorities.”
Bob McKee, Chief Executive of CILIP
CILIP continues to be active in promoting the value of public libraries and the importance of providing a quality library service to local communities. As a charity we focus on the public good and the many benefits that a properly resourced and well-managed public library service brings to society.
Recently a number of public library services, including the Wirral, have been subject to cuts and service reduction and, as the recession bites, the future looks set to provide many more such cases.
CILIP has addressed this situation in England in a number of ways. In 2008 we commissioned Patrick Conway to investigate ten public library authorities which were the cause of concern. The Conway report, and the debate it generated, influenced the DCMS (Department of Culture, Media and Sport) to set up the Library Service Modernisation Review. In 2009 we influenced the DCMS Modernisation Review. As part of that review on 1 December 2009, the DCMS published a consultation paper Empower, Inform, Enrich - the modernisation review of public libraries.
In 2009 CILIP also sponsored and helped manage the Inquiry into the Leadership and Governance of Public Libraries in England undertaken by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries, Literacy and Information Management.
More about our current advocacy including Wirral inquiry and DCMS review.
What makes a good library service?
CILIP has published Guidelines on public library provision in England for portfolio holders in local councils.
See also:
Current advocacy work
CILIP advocacy around public libraries; APPG Inquiry
Key CILIP resources
Policies, blogs, articles and much more
Get involved
Ideas for CILIP members and members of the public
Links
The information below has links to external organisations that are also working to protect public library services. CILIP cannot be held responsible for the content on these websites.
The Library Campaign
An independent national organisation set up in 1984 to support Friends of Library groups and to campaign for improved services in publicly funded libraries.
Before you close a library
Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) information for public library authorities.
UNISON
UNISON's public libraries work including local library campaigns and its early day motion 248. The EDM highlights the importance of UNISON's Future of the Library Service Report and its campaign to revitalise the UK library service.
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Scotland, Wales & Ireland
The information on this web page relates primarily to England. As public libraries are a devolved matter for CILIP, look at the web pages of CILIP in Scotland, CILIP Cymru/Wales and CILIP in Ireland for information relating to those nations. |