Public libraries being failed by lack of leadership from Westminster

Save Our Libraries Day was a clear demonstration that public libraries are a well loved, respected and popular service. Read-ins, author talks, campaigning and mass-book borrowing took place across the country on Saturday the 5^th February. At the same time the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP) drew up a set of actions for the Secretary of State for Culture, Jeremy Hunt, to fulfil his statutory duty to superintend and promote the public library service in England.

CILIP is calling on the Secretary of State for Culture to collect and publish information so the impact of proposed library cuts is properly understood. He has a duty to intervene where proposed cuts are disproportionate or where a local authority will fail to comply with the 1964 Public Libraries & Museums Act. He should provide guidance on best practice for community managed libraries. It must be made clear to local authorities that  community managed libraries must not charge for book borrowing if they are to be regarded as part of  an authority’s provision to meet its statutory obligation to provide a “comprehensive and efficient” service. He must ensure the Arts Council (England) is able to scrutinise local authorities’ library plans and advise the Minister when there are problems.  

CILIP has grave concerns about the level and extent of proposed cuts to public library services across England. The front-loading of savings to local government grants mean that radical proposals have been implemented quickly and often without proper preparation and consultation. CILIP estimates that over 600 libraries in England could close, especially if communities don’t come forward to manage local libraries, with a reduction of 4,000 – 6,000 full-time equivalent staff.

It is vital that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) keep the threat to public library services under constant review so they can assess the lawfulness of proposals and the cumulative impact of proposals on public library services across England.

The winding down of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and the abolition of the Advisory Council on Libraries (ACL) means that DCMS Ministers may not receive the expert advice about public library services that is so badly needed.

Brian Hall, President of CILIP, said:

“Public libraries are part of England’s national heritage, bequeathed to us by the Victorians and ours must not be the generation that destroys this heritage. The vision of the Victorians has enriched subsequent generations and, refocused and energised, public libraries will continue to be a dynamic and vibrant part of society.

We must all work to ensure that we develop an exciting and innovative public library service which not only serves the information and cultural needs of current people but is equipped to help future generations in their discovery and use of knowledge.”    

For its part CILIP will continue to monitor local authorities’ proposals for cuts, and when disproportionate make representations to the authority or refer to the DCMS. CILIP will engage in the public debate about the value of libraries and work to increase levels of awareness amongst national and local politicians about the threats to public library services. CILIP will continue to work with influential people and organisations - such as authors, publishers, campaigners, celebrities and unions - to make the case for public libraries.