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April 21, 2009
A constructive agenda
Martyn Everett reminds us that he posted ' a constructive agenda' for libraries, here, last year. Nevertheless Martyn I think you are definitely a member of the Under the Platform Club.
June 7, 2008: A sensible plan for the public library service
From Martyn Everett:
As a contrast to vague aspirations of the MLA document I thought it might be useful to suggest a few practical ways in which an improvement in the public library service might be achieved. I am sure other people can suggest equally valid measures.
Establishment of a new Central London Research Library (to take strain off British Library).
Single London Library ticket.
Improve book-stocks - introduction of standard author lists, increase subject range of purchases.
Improved supply times for new books - within 3 weeks of publication. Streamlining of supply chains.
Bring all libraries up to minimum H & S standards within 3 years
Increased opening hours for all libraries - and provision of public toilets in libraries wherever possible.
All libraries to be provided with quiet study space, and provision of ‘dedicated’ sound-proof areas for noisey activities, daytime meetings etc.
All libraries to have book magazines and display material promoting books.
Re-introduction of book-stacks and “long tail” supply.
Free publication of CIPFA figures in full. CIPFA figures available online..and linked from library websites. Publication of local performance statistics in local libraries. (These are already collected)
Roll out programme of additional quality online services (eg JSTOR) or establishment of a similar co-operative project for public libraries. Systematic archiving of journals and magazines.
Reintroduction of binding and conservation programmes.
Re-introduction of Local Studies Collections with libraries acting as local “deposit’ libraries for local publications.
Introduction of blogs listing new books added to stock, with links through to catalogue.
Production of reading lists on particular subjects/ authors (paper and online with link through to catalogue)
Involvement in key book promotion events at local level eg World Book Day - Local Literature festivals. Support for local bookshops.
Limiting the use of mobile phones, and eating & drinking to designated areas.
Provision of drinking water for the public.
Establishment of a national on-line virtual library along the lines of BUBL for public libraries with websites organised by dewey number and indexed by keyword or similar along lines of Intute/ bubl.
Abolition of existing managerial structure and its replacement by a co-operative staff structure to increase motivation involvement etc. More book related training for staff. Streamlining of bureacratic and administrative processes, and ensure that centralised staff are providing support for local services, and not the other way round.
Introduction of a UK spelling requirement in children’s books
Increased purchase of children’s book prize-winners
Annual readers meetings for all libraries, attended by Councillors.
Posted by Perkins at April 21, 2009 9:02 AM
Comments
These plans by Martyn Everett are all so very sensible that it's no wonder the MLA has branded him a subversive.
Here in Hove we have now got the Carnegie Library open again on Mondays (afternoon, for now), which is the first time since about 1977 apparently.
Readers have to dig in their heels, and make it clear that libraries are a matter of opening hours and books.
Posted by: Christopher Hawtree at April 21, 2009 1:30 PM