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February 8, 2007
Books, buildings and opening hours
Are the three things lacking in the public library service
And this press release shows that the MLA and the Government still can't bear to mention any of them. (or can't spell them, I suppose)
Here is the report of the Tavistock Institute who tell us how successful have been the Government efforts to improve public libraries in the past 5 years. The report not surprisingly contains absolutely no figures to explain their conclusions, just a few random quotes from cheery members of the brotherhood of chief librarians.
Posted by Perkins at February 8, 2007 9:06 PM
Comments
My friend in Buckinghamshire went to her Book Club last night. Various members had been to the library and reported not just the absence of the books they wanted but almost NO BOOKS AT ALL.
Posted by: SUSAN HILL at February 9, 2007 8:51 AM
Readers may be interested in the publication by the Audit Commission of the results of the satisfaction performance indicators, which along with many other services include libraries. You can find them at http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/performance/dataprovision.asp
The result of the residents satisfaction (ie including people who don't use libraries, as well as those who do) ranges from 57% (Lambeth) to 82% (South Tyneside).
Results of the user satisfaction (just the users) range from 80% (Waltham Forest) to 97% (Durham).
I know, Tim, that you prefer the Residents figures, but I think both are useful - please note that users don't always just tick the "very good" box.
Posted by: Duchess of Malfi at February 9, 2007 12:11 PM
Duchess
(Elgar Atkins is unwell - so I have to make his comments for him at the moment).
Firstly, the reason why views of users alone tell you next to nothing is simply that if there is one person left using the library he or she will tell you it is useful- otherwise he wouldn't be there.
Secondly - because PLUS is therefore a completely meaningless measure one is concerned that it used as a national standard and as a key performance indicator by the audit commission. They ought to know better. That the MLA don't know better doesn't surprise anyone.
Thirdly, the residents of Lambeth are the best organised library group in the country and know how to get their messages to the council
The library service in Lambeth is certainly one of the worst in the country-- and it is one of the best funded. The council has endless reviews : and only ever listens to its own officers. there are no books, and the libraries are normally closed. Lambeth library service is truly one of the great mysteries of humankind along with global warming and the libraries of Buckinghamshire.
Posted by: Tim at February 9, 2007 7:53 PM