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August 16, 2008
Close the MLA down-- it is beyond ridicule
I echo Christopher Hawtree's observation below on the article in The Guardian.
After a week of heated discussion on the subject of library fines in which calls were made for a review and understanding of how the library service conducts its business- -what the public think, how much different aspects cost, how change is to be affected;-- at last there was a response from the MLA. This is the body that claims that it is paid to provide leadership and advocacy for the public library service, and then always underlines that it is actually in no position to do anything at all.
On this occasion the sum total of the wisdom first from Roy Clare, the chief executive, (120k pa) and then his official spokesperson is 'Don't call library fines 'Fines'-- call them 'Charges' . I suppose he thought he was being clever, but he should not hope that the reading public will be fooled by such superior and arrogant tosh.
The whole edifice is a disgrace and should be shut down now. I guarantee there is not one person (aside from those who benefit from their funding) in the library world, the political world, or among the public who would cry to keep the place open. It has long been a painful and costly travesty-- and should be ended now.
If this is not the moment, then the forthcoming publication of Roy Clare's first 6 month review (after 14 months) will certainly be.
DCMS and Select Committee-- heads up chaps (if there is an honest and responsible person amongst you)
Posted by Perkins at August 16, 2008 10:16 AM