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November 21, 2006
"What will it take to shut you up?"
I was asked that this morning.
Over the years there have been several attempts to silence me:
- Some time ago the DCMS phoned two councils and told them not to listen to my advice- even though the councils had paid to engage me. I was paid off.
- Library managers in one council have recently phoned those in others and told them to advise their councillors not to listen to my advice, citing references that it turned out, upon enquiry, had never been written or even asked for
- Suppliers have asked my advice and then begged (and even contracted) me not to tell anyone, especially the MLA, that they had spoken to me
- The MLA and the LLDA passed a message round all the councils in London telling them not to deal with my call for one library card and one catalogue for London
- Memos passed between the MLA and DCMS advised that I should not be talked to or trusted as I am a trouble maker
- And worst of all have been 4 people of whom I know who have lost their jobs because the library professionals in their councils have taken exception to them discussing possible strategies for their library service.
And this is Great Britain! It's hardly stuff for James Bond or even Jeffrey Archer but it is irritating.
You can see from this blog the kind of change I advocate and advice I offer, it is always the same: libraries need more books and computers, clean dignified private study space longer hours and smart clean buildings, with less overhead cost. And I have also worked out in detail how these things can practically and simply be brought about- that's what I talk about. I am persistent but, I hope, consistent.
Posted by Perkins at November 21, 2006 10:21 AM