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June 20, 2007
Attitudes to libraries
One of the actions that I and others have long urged the MLA to undertake is what marketing people call a "Usage and Attitude" survey.
These are methodical and professional studies which help to define the objectives of an operation and then the most meaningful measures they can use to see if they are doing the right things. When used properly they are incredibly valuable.
However, as always, the MLA and DCMS have failed to take up advice. Nevertheless Denise Hayes from Wales has offered her view:
Peoples attitudes are changing towards libraries. Even if local papers and authorities were prepared to support them there are lots of people saying they are redundant. see - http://www.thisishereford.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1472141.mostcommented.we_want_your_views_on_a_new_library_for_hereford.php
We need to find other ways of reaching out to people, also we need to get rid of the idea that libraries are just about books, they are about knowledge and sharing knowledge, about community. I live in a small town in Wales, UK the library here is used by lots of people despite being housed in a small prefab and having a staff of middleaged, middle class women who correspond with all the caricatures of librarians. People read the papers, use the internet, borrow books, listen to storytime even attend IT classes in a space 40ft X 15ft at most. I learned to read and love books in my local library (Camberwell London)when I was 4, since then I have belonged to libraries in every area I have lived. I also use local libraries if I visit a new area just to find out whats going on and if there is anything interesting I should see. My children also use local libraries despite the fact we can all afford to buy books. Denise
Posted by Tim Coates at June 20, 2007 5:11 PM
Comments
There is encouraging news in Hove and Brighton, where, for some time, readers have said that they want more books and longer opening hours.
Now, a series of surveys here has demonstrated that this is indeed not simply the view of a "vocal" quarter and Gerald Kaufman's report. And so, the essential thing is to secure a budget which meets this public need.
Posted by: Christopher Hawtree at June 21, 2007 9:36 AM