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June 18, 2006
The Truth
I received this from a very experienced professional librarian. I have altered it slightly so that the author can not be identified.
"I've read "Who's in Charge" and some of your articles/comments about the library services and I wholeheartedly agree with your criticisms about the running of library services. The current management structures belong in the days of manual cataloguing, classification and paper based research requirements. Even then there weren't so many layers of professionally qualified, relatively well-paid posts (consuming the majority of the budget) in situations remote from libraries.
The private sector perspective is so relevant to the survival of the community library. It has been known for libraries to close for a day or more because staff are sick/on holiday while the professional staff, who consume the majority of the budget, are not required to face the public at the issue desk even to keep the library open. In a private business the owner/manager would undoubtedly step in and face the customers.
Recent library-related literature points to the library being the heart of the community. I'm sure this could be done if professional staff were employed creating partnerships at community level with every aspect, retail and social, of the community. I and my colleagues who work in the libraries see the potential at the front line but we usually say nothing to protect our jobs, or we simply aren't asked!"
If there are any other librarians, library, government officials or council staff who want to add things on this blog, please do. I will protect your identity. You can write as a comment or, if you prefer, send me an email to tim.coates@yahoo.com
Posted by Tim Coates at June 18, 2006 5:25 PM
Comments
Sounds a sensible sort of chap (or chapess).
Maybe he or she would even get around to that waiting room idea I emailed about, for real!
-Maxine found a library in the waiting room of a small suburban station in London, left there by who knows.
Posted by: Maxine at June 18, 2006 7:01 PM
What is the problem with public services ? Any private business would welcome someone like this, anxious to improve things and carry them forward, make suggestions, have new ideas... but oh, no, not in the public sector. It makes my blood boil. It is the same in every area of the public sector, not just libraries. Bring on private enterprise !
Posted by: SUSAN HILL at June 18, 2006 9:58 PM