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September 18, 2006
A senior professional librarian writes
"The 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act requires minister David Lammy to intervene when councils are failing to provide a comprehensive and efficient service- which he has described as meeting the "Public Library Service Standards". He is also required, by that Act, to seek and superintend continuous improvement of the library service in each council and to obtain the information to enable him to meet this duty.
It is widely recognised that in 2007/2008 many councils, especially rural ones, will face very difficult budget settlements. Thus we all expect library closures and book fund cuts. Or to put it another way many councils will be even further away from meeting their statutory obligations for libraries.
Can anyone tell us what the MLA and DCMS are doing in terms of gathering information in order to assess the likely deterioration of libraries next year? If there is no information how can the minister ever be in a position to exercise his reponsibilities?
Why also do they continue to ignore Tim, who is the only person out there suggesting a remedy?
Is there an MP, who reads this, who might start asking these questions?"
Posted by Tim Coates at September 18, 2006 10:31 PM