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October 1, 2008
Librarygate: The phantom libraries of Lambeth and the Audit Commission
Readers of this blog will know that however bad your own library service is there is nothing so bad as that of the London Borough of Lambeth.. Moreover after laughable and long reviews during which nothing was achieved except miles of meaningless ink dribbled onto acres of paper, the service never got better nor looked as if it would.
Indeed the elevation of the chief Finance Officer of Lambeth to the heights of the 'Better Stock Better Libraries' Project Board of the MLA served only to turn to spotlight of incompetent management onto both bodies at the same time. Last year the Audit Commission presented a prize to Lambeth in recognition of something to do with their public libraries-- rock bands or something.
Nevertheless tonight's story in the South London Press exceeds all others for inanity-- do not be surprised by anything you read. This is the same Lambeth (and the same Audit Commission) about which we have written so often. Search for them both in the box to your right.
The truth behind this story is that Lambeth council have known for 6 years that the opening hours of the public libraries in the borough fall short of any standard that has been set by a long way. Instead of tackling the problem in the normal human way (by opening the libraries for longer), they have evaded the issue, made excuses to their residents, blamed the government and everyone in it and managed the situation in the most appalling manner possible. Let's hope their hopelessness is made public and humiliates all those involved.
Posted by Perkins at October 1, 2008 6:15 PM
Comments
Hi
Not sure if anyone here can help me, but I'm in the process of researching the start of a new private mobile library, and wondering where to start as far as legality is concerned, can I just do it, get memberships and drive around to peoples establishments to give them the service?
Posted by: Guto at October 1, 2008 9:53 PM
Guto
I waited to see if any librarians answered, but they haven't. I believe there is no restriction of any kind that would impede you from doing what you suggest. There are a number of commercial private libraries in the UK - the London Library and the Linenhall library in Belfast being two of which I am aware.
Posted by: perkins at October 10, 2008 12:09 PM