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May 18, 2006
Libraries are a simple idea
Maxine makes an extemely important point in response to Laura (Library campaigner May 15). Laura was referring to government reports like "Framework for the Future" and "Public Library Service Standards". Maxine says:
Yes, I think there is a language problem here. Users (members of public) (aka taxpayers) do not need these reports. They know that the most important thing in a library are the books. I don't understand Laura's comment -- library users don't want to "work with" libraries or "need basic knowledge about how it all actually works in real life".
They want to be able to go to a library, for it to be open, and to borrow books. Isn't that simple?
One of the most important lessons they teach you in management training schools is "If you want something to work, everybody has to understand what you are doing. Keep it simple" I agree with Maxine. There is nothing complicated about running a library. There should be no imcomprehensible jargon or reports to hide behind.
Posted by Perkins at May 18, 2006 11:36 PM