« DCMS review of public libraries | Main | Why do we always get the wrong person to be Minister of Libraries? »
October 23, 2008
Postman Pat delivers the message
in this article in the (famous) Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
John Cunliffe has followed the matter of libraries closely.
The problem with chief librarians or, 'heads of cultural services' like the one quoted from Bradford is that they never know their own figures, they never speak from a basis of fact. However Perkins knows that
- In the past ten years lending of books in Bradford libraries has fallen by 53.8% ; that is one of the most dramatic declines and the figure continues to go down each year There are several authorities which experienced no fall at all in that time
- At just 3.2 loans per person, the libraries rank among the poorest for the usefulness of their book collections. Some authorities achieve a rate of 3 times this figure
- Bradford is one of the largest metropolitan councils in the country, larger than Manchester, and although the situation has improved since, in 2005-6, the council spent just 3% of its libraries budget on books. Surprising to find almost anything in the libraries when management behaves like that
- The Chief Librarian, notwithstanding all this, has plenty of time to spend on national committees. He is even in charge of the forthcoming review of the gathering of CIPFA figures. He needs to be.
Many years ago I worked in Bradford and the library service was a haven. It is not that any longer, as John Cunliffe knows extremely well . It is a disgrace. But I don't imagine for one second that The Minister in this news story was told the figures, or knew how to ask for them.
Why doesn't Andy Burnham invite John to join the 'review board'.
Posted by Perkins at October 23, 2008 10:05 AM
Comments
Its not as if Andy Burnbooks isnt short of powers- he has only to look at section 1(2) section 10 and section 16 of the 1964 Act where he will find all the authority he needs to inspect library authorities.
Go get 'em,Andy!
Posted by: postumus at October 24, 2008 8:14 PM
Well, here am ! I could many a tale unfold. The readers of Bradford must be totally discouraged from using their libraries. Perkins' figures support my experience powerfully. It has long seemed strange to me that, in a town full of readers, so few use the library, and there do not appear to be waiting lists for the latest books. I often get them surprisingly quickly, in response to my requests. Am I the only person to request them ? I wonder if they would be bought if I did not ask for them ? It's really weird.
Posted by: John Cunliffe at October 25, 2008 5:47 PM
How welcome you are! And please, how is Jess?
Posted by: perkins at October 25, 2008 6:54 PM