Public Libraries must be
a birth right for all, as guardians of ‘this country’s greatest gift
to world civilisation ’
Margaret Hodge
reaffirms Government backing for ‘life transforming’ libraries
Culture minister Margaret Hodge today published a blueprint for
England’s public library service, to help ensure it is fit for
purpose in the 21 st century. The Modernisation Review of
Public Libraries: a Policy Statement makes it clear that
books – and the right to borrow them and browse free of charge -
must remain at the heart of the service. And the statutory
responsibility on library authorities to provide a ‘comprehensive
and efficient’ service must remain.
The paper aims to help libraries grasp the opportunities of
digital technology, respond to the decline in use of existing
services, the current economic climate and the public’s
expectation of more customer-focused public services.
The paper includes proposals to:
* Recommend all local authorities have a ‘national core offer’
for the public, comprising membership from birth, free access to
the internet, a right to order any book to borrow (even those out
of print), free access to e-books as the market grows, opening
hours to suit users, and an opportunity to be a member of all
libraries in England;
* Create a ‘local offer’ as well, which could include commitments
on bookstock, events programmes, activities and other services
like CD and DVD lending;
* Offer best practice guidance to local authorities on consulting
their communities about the library service, putting local people
at the centre of the service;
* Make all libraries ‘digitally inclusive’ with easier – and free
– access to the internet for users, along with advice on how
people can get the most from online access;
* Consider establishing a new, strategic body for libraries to
provide leadership and development for the sector, and with the
formal power to advise the Secretary of State. This body would
also run an accreditation programme, awarding a ‘Book Mark’ for
the best services, which could be linked to funding opportunities; and
* Look at a radical approach to new partnerships across existing
local authority boundaries, possibly linking with other public
functions like post offices and private sector services such as
coffee shops.
Margaret Hodge said:
“Public libraries at their best are the heartbeat of communities,
providing knowledge, pleasure, services and support to all at
every stage of their lives. We are fortunate indeed to have good
examples of really first-rate library authorities. No one can
deny, however, that the model that has served us so well for the
last 160 years will be the better for being brought into line with
the needs and priorities of the 21 st century.
“Our language and literature are this country’s greatest gift to
world civilisation; and libraries celebrate and promote this. So I
want the library service to grow and prosper, continuing to offer
a first-rate free service to everyone, literally from birth
onwards, with free access to printed books, the internet and
ebooks as the market grows, and to do so with the added strength
and authority that a confident new strategic body can bring.”
The Government wants to see each library authority have its local
offer in place by the end of this year. It will review the new
arrangements after two years, and consider whether to incorporate
the library offer into legislation.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Copies of The Modernisation Review of Public Libraries: a Policy
Statement can be found on the DCMS Website at:
http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/6752.aspx
Contacts:
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Phone:
020 7211 6263
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NDS.DCMS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Toby Sargent.
Phone: 020 72116276
toby.sargent@culture.gsi.gov.uk