Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, appeared today before the Select Committee of Culture, Media and Sport to answer questions regarding the annual report and accounts of DCMS. This included an exchange with the Committee’s Chair, John Whittingdale MP, on the position of public libraries. In particular the Chair explored the meaning of “comprehensive and efficient” within the Public Libraries and Museums Act (1964) and the extent of library closures currently taking place.
In his response the Secretary of State referred to the Roberts Report (1959)* where he claimed “comprehensive” was about a “good selection of books” and efficiency about reducing the number of public library authorities. He favoured “modernisation” of the public library service rather than “vandalism”. Although unwilling to comment in detail specifically on individual authorities because of judicial action he suggested DCMS continued to monitor the situation closely. 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 CILIP’s Chief Executive, Annie Mauger, expressed surprise that the Minister referred back to a 1959 report to define “comprehensive and efficient”. “There have been many official documents since then” she said, “The original public library standards (2001) were specifically designed to help the Secretary of State determine whether an authority was providing a “comprehensive and efficient” service. In the Open Public Services White Paper I note that for national public services the Government proposes to focus on core entitlements, setting floor standards enforced by independent regulators or published data and ensuring fair access to services. Yes please that is what we want for public libraries too and the powers already exist to achieve it – Secretary of State please use them”.
Similarly Annie expressed concern that community-managed libraries run by volunteers might be regarded as meeting the requirements of the Act. “CILIP’s position is clear”, she states, “If community managed libraries are to be regarded as part of the statutory service they must have a core paid staff, be part of the professionally led public library service and operate within a service level agreement with that parent library service. Volunteers play a valuable role in enhancing the public library service but they are not a replacement for the skills and expertise of staff. All are entitled to a public library service of high quality”.
For more information please contact:
Guy Daines
Head of Policy, CILIP
Email: Guy.Daines@cilip.org.uk
Tel: 020 7255 0632
* The structure of the public library service in England and Wales. [The Roberts report]. HMSO, 1959. (Cmnd. 660)