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July 13, 2007
Ministers
I don't want to mislead my readers but I confess I am not totally certain who is the Minister now responsible for public libraries. It might not be Margaret Hodge in the ministry of culture-- but could be someone in the the department of education. It could even still be Mr Lammy.
I'm sure somebody knows
Posted by Tim Coates at July 13, 2007 8:56 AM
Comments
Tim,
the full list of the Cabinet is at http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page2988.asp
As you can see David Lammy has been moved to Education; the new Dept of Innovation, Universities and Skills to be exact.
According to http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page1576.asp Margaret Hodge is responsible for libraries.
Posted by: Pete at July 13, 2007 10:01 AM
As a follow-up, the DCMS website still has its 'What we do...libraries' link up.
As an FE librarian we are in a weird position government wise. We need to follow the statements of two departments now that DfES has been split. And we need to keep a weather eye on DCMS and DCLG...
Posted by: Pete at July 13, 2007 10:10 AM
Yes-- but it was something that somebody else said that raised the question. I'm not sure the dust has quite settled.
James Parnell made a speech about how the Arts must not be judged on the basis of their financial contribution to the economy. I think the same is true of libraries. I hope he does.
We have wonderful music academies in this country- four of the best in the world in London and others in Manchester and many fine music teachers. They are little praised except among their own. We should congratulate them for what they do at a sophisticated level as well as at a basic level.
Posted by: Tim Coates at July 13, 2007 10:43 AM