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March 23, 2007
Hampshire Libraries
The libraries of Hampshire have featured frequently on this blog. If you put "Hampshire" in the search box to the right you will find they come up almost as often as Buckinghamshire.
The chief librarian, at a council hearing, was heard some years ago to say that he believed that the people of Hampshire would come out on the streets in sympathy for the professional librarians, but I don't think he ever foresaw the circumstances that might bring such an event about. At that time he was, as it were, defending their position.
However the librarians of Hampshire have been out on strike today and will be tomorrow as their local paper describes
I have sympathy with all involved (especially as the weather has turned cold) but, the truth is that if the changes in the structure of the library service that are needed in Hampshire and elsewhere were conceded and planned for, then the effect they have would be far less. That has to be the lesson.
One very odd thing in Hampshire is that 18 months ago the council voted for a Scrutiny inquiry on behalf of the public into the conduct of the library service. This was in response to a great deal of vocal and written concern expressed by residents. So far the council has avoided that inquiry taking place-- although there has been a great deal of talk of the planning of it---- I think they should be minded of their fundamental responsibility to their electors. The Scrutiny should begin within days not weeks.
Posted by Tim Coates at March 23, 2007 12:03 AM