There will a National Libraries day 0n 4 February 2012. Find out more
The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) launched a review of statutory duties placed on local government, three of these apply to public library services.
Find out more about the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 and what's happening with the review
We have written an open letter to Ed Vaizey, Minister responsible for libraries, urging him to make clear to the DCLG that there is a continuing need for public libraries' legal protection.
Ed Vaizey confirmed at an MPs debate on 28 February 2011 that while volunteers contribute to the public library service, they do not replace professional library staff. He also confirmed that there are no plans to repeal the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. Mr Vaizey did not address the issue of community managed libraries.
Brian Hall, President of CILIP, commented: "We hope the message gets through to all politicians and journalists loud and clear: public libraries are a statutory service."
On 21 February 2011, CILIP sent an open letter to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, correcting his wrongly held belief that councils are not obliged to have libraries. Annie Mauger replied:
"Sorry Boris, but this is just plain wrong. Under the Public Libraries and Museums Act (1964) local authorities are required by statute to provide a public library service which is comprehensive and efficient, and available to all who wish to use it."
CILIP isssued a statement on 5 February 2011 on the position of the public library service in England. The statement considers the current situation, examines community managed libraries and other proposals and puts forward actiion required by the Secretary of State for Culture.
Read the full statement
Save our Libraries Day
A day of action on 5 February 2011
CILIP supports Save our libraries day, a day of action to bring greater attention to the cuts and closures facing many public libraries. Everyone who cares about libraries should use their library on the 5th February and encourage as many others as possible to get involved.
Voices for the Library is a place on the web for everyone who loves libraries to share their stories and experiences of the value of public libraries. It includes information about why public librarians are important and lists details of local campaigns against public library closures.
Voices for the Library has been endorsed by CILIP.
- What makes a good library service?
CILIP has developed professional guidelines on what makes a good library service (in England) for portfolio holders in local councils.
The Guidelines define what we mean by a good library service and provide a checklist by which portfolio holders can assess their own service.
CILIP published the guidelines in October 2009 and revised them in December 2010. They have been sent to all Heads of Library Services in England.
Read the CILIP Guidelines and find out more
Blogs:
What constitutes a high-quality public library service?
Guy Daines, Director of Policy and Advocacacy, blogs about the public library service guidelines project.
- Putting the case for libraries
CILIP is taking positive action to put the case for libraries and librarians.
We are producing a series of clear and compelling one-minute messages, read the first two here. We welcome more ideas from CILIP’s 36,000 members and customers so we can create similar short, sharp messages that are clear and compelling to promote all sectors of the library community. You can help CILIP to make the case by sending your best ideas to marketing@cilip.org.uk
Visit the one minute message page
- Libraries need leadership, CILIP warns Government
CILIP's view is that the announcement of the government’s intention to abolish the Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) (by April 2012) and the Advisory Council on Libraries (ACL) leaves libraries dangerously exposed at this difficult time.
“This government has already caused huge public concern about the likely impact of its cuts programme on libraries,” Biddy Fisher, CILIP President explained, “And now government has compounded that concern by leaving libraries with no clear framework for future leadership.
CILIP says that Ed Vaizey, the Minister, must act quickly to allay public concern, demonstrate commitment to public library provision, and clarify how library leadership at government level will be structured in the future.
- The Future Libraries Programme
On 1 July 2010 Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey, announced an expert support programme for public libraries in England.
On 16 August details of the first ten projects joining the programme were announced. The programme will undertake intensive, proactive work with the ten projects that represent about 36 local authorities. The projects represent a balance of geographical spread, type of project and rural and urban mix to help ensure the programme shares learning nationally.
The programme work is being led by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and the Local Government Association Group (LGA).
The ten phase one areas are:
- Northumberland with Durham
- Bolton, with Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan
- Bradford
- Lincolnshire with Rutland, Cambridgeshire, North East Lincs, Peterborough
- Suffolk
- Oxfordshire with Kent
- Herefordshire with Shropshire
- Cornwall with Devon, Plymouth, Torbay
- Lewisham with Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth and Southwark
- Kensington & Chelsea with Hammersmith & Fulham
More
CILIP welcomes the programme and will be monitoring change proposals and make representations where appropriate. Bob McKee noted that this is not a time for poorly thought out proposals that volunteers should run public library services: "Volunteers already play an important part in enriching library provision and that will increase. However the value of their contribution is dependent on a backbone of knowledgeable and skilled staff, just as the future of the service itself will be."
Read CILIP's response press release
Read all our latest media releases here
See also
Key CILIP resources
Get involved