Image of Houses of Parliament via Flickr, by Wally Gobetz

There are some positive proposals from the Labour Party manifesto. It recognises the importance of knowledge and information as key components for the nation's future economic prosperity.

A National Data Library could ensure public services are built on the latest data and high-quality research, delivering world-leading innovation in a way that makes the most of public funding. To be successful, such a programme requires a cadre of highly skilled information professionals with a strong ethical framework.

Similarly, this profession is well placed to work across local institutions to support delivery of the new statutory Local Growth Plans, leveraging local information and knowledge assets to support economic growth.

We recognise the positive benefit of the proposed multi-year funding settlements for local authorities. This should enable councils to make more strategic plans for statutory services such as public libraries as vital community resources that support local growth, literacy and free access to culture.

A more sustainable approach to higher education funding will also enable the information profession to deliver on universities' research and teaching ambitions.

And finally, libraries would welcome the opportunity to help more of the public to enjoy the cultural assets held in the collections of our national museums and galleries, though this will require appropriate funding and support.

Although the lack of explicit focus on libraries and information professionals feels like a missed opportunity in this long manifesto, it is clear that their role will be essential t in its delivery.

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