Although we welcome the Conservative Party's Manifesto focus on leveraging in philanthropic funding for museums and libraries, this has to be on top of sustainable, long-term public funding, only by investing in professionally-run library services, can society achieve its potential to support economic growth, lifelong learning and other public policy aims.

The proposal to sell off valuable community assets such as libraries to be run by volunteers is short-sighted, and again limits the positive long-term outcomes that libraries offer.

We know that public libraries:

• Improve people’s life chances
• Support formal, informal and lifelong learning
• Improve local health and social care provision
• Help build strong, more cohesive communities
• Give people access to life skills, including digital skills and literacy

Job substitution in public libraries will lead to services becoming unsustainable over time, and the CILIP position is that, where possible, volunteers should only be used to support experienced, qualified staff.

As noted in CILIP policy, there is a vital and positive role for volunteers in enhancing and extending professionally-run library services, but volunteers cannot and must not be used to substitute for paid professional roles.

We call on all parties to pledge their support for stronger public libraries and recognise that libraries have a significant positive impact on local communities, society and the economy.

Please contact the communications manager for further comment, or to set up an interview with CILIP CEO, Louis Coiffait-Gunn.