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.
Libraries Development Initiative
Arts Council England and the Local Government Association have launched the Libraries Development Initiative. It will run between March 2012 and March 2013 and support about ten projects. Applicants are asked to complete expression of interest forms (deadline 2 December 2011) that explore one of four designated areas of activity:
1. new delivery models for arts and culture working together
2. partnerships to achieve policy outcomes
3. books and reading
4. commercial partnerships
Jeremy Hunt, "comprehensive and efficient" & community managed libraries
On 27 October 2011 Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, appeared before the Select Committee of Culture, Media and Sport. The Chair of the Committee, John Whittingdale MP, brought up the issue of the extent of library closures currently taking place and the meaning of "comprehensive and efficient" within the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.
The Secretary of State's response referred to a 1959 report on the structure of the public library service (the Roberts Report) where he claimed "comprehensive" was about a "good selection of books" and efficiency about reducing the number of public library authorities. In response to the Chair's query as to whether a significant number of library closures in an authority would breach the Act he responded that a number of authorities were exploring community-led library options, whereas Brent was increasing opening hours.
Commenting on the Secretary of State's performance, Annie Mauger, CILIP's Chief Executive, expressed surprise that the Minister referred back to the 1959 report and said that 2001 public library standards were specifically designed to help the Secretary of State determine whether an authority was providing a "comprehensive and efficient" service. She said that in the Open Public Services White Paper, for national public services the Government proposes to focus on core entitlements and setting floor standards and said "yes please that is what we want for public libraries too and the powers already exist to achieve it".
She also expressed concern that community-managed libraries run by volunteers might be regarded as meeting the requirements of the Act: "...they must have a core paid staff, be part of the professionally led public library service and operate within a service level agreement with the parent library service."
CILIP news: Jeremy Hunt quizzed on public libraries
Somerset and Gloucestershire judicial review hearings
A three-day hearing to examine the legality of cuts to library provision in Gloucestershire and Somerset starts on Tuesday 27 September 2011 at the Civil Justice Centre in Birmingham.
Public library question in House of Lords leads to cuts' debate
On Monday 12 September Lord Borrie asked a question in the House of Lords about what discussions the Government has had with local authorities on public library closures. Baroness Rawlings answered that the DCMS has had discussions with officers from Gloucestershire, Lewisham, Somerset, Brent and the Isle of Wight and they are continuing to monitor changes. Other Lords joined in the discussion, raising issues around co-location and volunteering.
Arts Council England: 'Culture, knowledge and understanding: great museums and libraries for everyone'
On 13 September Arts Council England (ACE) published a document setting out how they will integrate museums and libraries into their work. The document states that ACE will continue with the Future Libraries Programme, in conjunction with the Local Government Group. They have also published a review of research and literature on museums and libraries.
They will be holding an informal consultation on the longer term focus beyond 2015 to make sure that they hear a wide range of views on the long-term ambitions of all the areas they cover.
Decision on inquiry in Brent expected September 2011
The Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt will reportedly make a decsion as to whether to launch an inquiry into library closures in Brent in September. Public Libraries News quotes from an email reportedly sent by legal advisors at the DCMS to Brent library campaign's solicitor that "officials here are in the process of assessing all the relevant information on this matter and a decision by the Secretary of State is anticipated in September".
Under section 10 of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, the Secretary of State can take action where a local authority fails to perform its duties, for example, to provide a comprehensive and efficient service.
More on this news from The Bookseller
Somerset, Gloucestershire, Brent and Isle of Wight legal challenges
The High Court considered judicial review of the library closures in the London Borough of Brent in July 2011 and a decision is expected in October. A judicial review of closures in Gloucestershire and Somerset takes place on Tuesday 27 September. "with the injunction to prevent closures staying in place. On the Isle of Wight the judicial review challenge is likely to proceed now that one of the library users has been granted legal aid. More details from The Bookseller news report.
Women's Institute to campaign to save libraries
The National Federation of Women’s Institutes have voted in favour of campaigning in support of public libraries at their AGM.
“It’s fabulous news for the millions of people across the UK that love their libraries. Libraries are an essential education and information resource. They are at the heart of communities across the country and are too important to lose.” , Annie Mauger, Chief Executive of CILIP.
With over 208,000 members and a history of campaigning on a wide range of important issues, the WI is respected as a powerful lobbying force. Read our press release
Public libraries Act under review
The Government is reviewing statutory duties placed on local authorities. Three of these relate to the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, including the duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. More on the review
National Libraries Day
There will a National Libraries day on 4 February 2012. National Libraries Day is one day devoted to libraries - public libraries, school and university libraries, prison libraries and national libraries. A nation-wide celebration of libraries and librarians. Find out more
Save Our Libraries - Day of Action 5 February 2011
Find out what happened
Public library cuts
Links
The information below provides links to external organisations that are also working to protect public library services. CILIP cannot be held responsible for the content on these websites.
Voices for the Library
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.
Public Libraries News blog
What's happening to your library? Ian Anstice's blog on public library cuts and closures and link to the library cuts map.
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
What do the public want from libraries? A Practitioner's Guide
An MLA Guide which accompainies a research study carried out for MLA by Shared Intelligence and Ipsos MORI.
Improving a library service
Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) information for public library authorities.
Alan Gibbons' blog
Campaign for the book/blog about public libraries
The Good library blog
By Tim Coates
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.
UNISON
UNISON's public libraries work includes local library campaigns and its Love Your Libraries campaign.