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September 16, 2006
Intitiative on public libraries
I intend to call for a major initiative on public libraries.
The budget round which is just beginning is likely to lead to many closures and another severe reduction in book purchasing. All the problems which cause these things to happen have been identified but still lie unaddressed.
My intention is to work with 3 or 4 councils who will act as pilots and in these there will be a thorough overhaul of the practice and the delivery of the service, so that it becomes quickly, both satisfactory to the public and efficient in operation
I am writing to people indicating my intention to do this and looking for support and commitment. I have asked the MLA, who are the official body, to work with me. However my intention to proceed does not depend on their response.
If you are prepared to commit to this initiative - or would like to discuss it with me, please contact me. We must proceed within weeks not months
Posted by Tim Coates at September 16, 2006 8:27 AM
Comments
Mr. Coates;
I know that many of the staff in the service I am employed by would love to get involved with changing the way our budgets are set and spent, and I'm reasonably sure that our head of directorate, who is a forward thinking fellow who's not averse to change and new ideas, would probably be interested as well. If you're not already aware of which library service I work for (from clues in previous comments), email me and I'll let you know, and give you the contact details for our head of directorate. I've had enough of everyone sitting around discussing the sinking ship but doing no bailing of water.
Posted by: Armchair Anarchist at September 16, 2006 9:11 PM
Brilliant. I've sent you an email. I hope this works out. I'll do my best. Tim
Posted by: Tim Coates at September 16, 2006 9:38 PM
Once again, lets hear it for the "Armchair Anarchist!"
Hip, hip, hooray!
Hip, hip.....
A very brave soul.
Posted by: Margo Harker at September 16, 2006 10:15 PM
Good news- a second council has approached me in response to this.
I also received support yesterday from a major publisher, as will become clear in the next few days, and also The Smith Institute who want to be the forum for this. That is an important development
Posted by: Tim Coates at September 17, 2006 8:46 AM