Public libraries

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.


Latest news August 2010

Future Libraries Programme

DCMS has announced the ten projects representing around 36 local authorities on a change programme for libraries. The MLA and LGA will begin work with packages of support and advice for each of the projects.

Read the full press release

MLA to be abolished 

DCMS: Museums, Libraries & Archives Council (MLA) to be wound up by April 2012

• MLA response
• CILIP response

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 2010 we:

• Published our Library and Information Manifesto which sets out six priorities for the next Westminster government.
• We also welcomed the expert support programme for public libraries in England announced by Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture:
  "I am pleased that the Government is offering this support. The next few years will be extremely challenging for public libraries and radical changes will be necessary if they are to survive in a period of expenditure cuts. CILIP already has a programme to support change." Bob McKee, Chief Executive of CILIP.
  
  
• Set up sector panels to consider cases of service cuts

• Go to our Impact of recession web pages

In 2009 we:

• influenced and responded to the DCMS Modernisation Review 
• helped manage the Inquiry into the Leadership and Governance of Public Libraries in England by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries, Literacy and Information Management.
• published Guidelines on public library provision in England for portfolio holders in local councils: What makes a good library service?
  

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.

More about our current advocacy

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.

Change is Overdue - a public charter for libraries
Public library users have published what they think libraries should concentrate on
The Charter is on the MLA website

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.