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June 4, 2009
Swindon and other library services
Just setting aside the more pressing issue of the decision that Swindon council have to make, I think there is another very important point arising from the events there.
The whole story of the Swindon budget round has highlighted a list of problems which, in my experience, beset public library services across the country and for which, at present, we offer no solutions
- planning is poor
- budgeting is poor
- the roles and responsibilities of officers and councillors are not clear
- library management is of low standard and is not forcefully led by cabinets, portfolio holders or directors
- the public are excluded from the debate and their needs are not understood or treated with priority
- senior financial management by local councils, in the matter of public libraries, is ineffective
- library services are often at the mercy of poor council central services over which they have little influence in either service or cost
- none of the senior professional associations or bodies appear to have any useful contribution to make- but they do distract from the important issues
- none of the potential national government agencies from the Audit Commission to the DCMS, DCLG, MLA etc are in a position to engage effectively nor appear to have the genuine experience or expertise to help with these problems
- the political mantras and agendas that are applied to public libraries are often contrary to the common sense requirements of a local public
- we never place sufficient emphasis on and resource behind the basic elements of the service we give which are book stocks, opening hours, knowledgeable staff and building refurbishment
- we don't tell a good story either to local people or the national media, and as a consequence public opinion generally doesn't trust the public library provision
And in the context of problems there is the endless political and interdepartmental desire to proclaim that everything is wonderful and what a good job is being done. This on its own, for years, has meant that real problems are denied and defended against and never dealt with.
Back in 'February when I had a chance I was suggesting repeatedly that argument in Swindon is a case of which humble analysis by all parties could to be used to the advantage of all. I offered, for my part, to present the story to a seminar convened for the purpose. We should include all views-- councillors, directors, finance officers, public, press, profession, staff and everyone-- but in the end it is to the public we owe the return for their stake. It is a big subject and one of national importance
I repeat that offer now-- I think we should do it. It is the material of a useful initiative and if we are to prepare ourselves for difficult budget rounds in many councils in the next few years it is a project to which time and effort would usefully be devoted. If any of the recipients of this list is in a position to host and chair such a seminar, then I think it should be done. We owe it to the public. Somebody will have to lead. God knows who.
Posted by Perkins at June 4, 2009 10:04 AM
Comments
Conservative run Essex County Council are intending to introduce yet another element into the equation by getting private companies to run all its services on 'our' behalf (without asking us of course). Current favourites are Hewlett Packard although negotiations are being delayed by the Council's insistence that none of the jobs are exported overseas for a fixed period.
So much for bringing services under closer community control.
Perhaps a member of the Council could explain exactly how this step will improve Library services in Essex?
Posted by: Martyn at June 4, 2009 11:04 AM
I am told that Hounslow is already running most of its leisure services, including libraries, by a mix of non-profit and for-profit companies. As there must be little evidence yet as to how this is working (unless DCMS has some and can publish it), should Councils like Essex be considering going down the same path?
Posted by: Shirley Burnham at June 7, 2009 6:44 AM
Here in Brighton and Hove there is a by-election now that one Conservative councillor has at last stood down.
If the Conservatives lose this seat, then there is definitely no overall control (they currently get by on vote of Independent, a former Tory). No overall control means that somebody else could be put in charge of libraries here.
Posted by: Christopher Hawtree at June 11, 2009 9:18 AM
Not such good news in Warwickshire. Before the recent elections the majority Tory party decimated the library service; slashed the book fund, started charging for children's events, coffee mornings, etc. Made the staff apply for their own jobs and banned the word "librarian" from all job titles.
Post June 4th they now have total control of the Council and more bad news is on the way; This week I saw signs in my local library that state charges for People's Network use start from next month.
Rumour has it lots of branch libraries are to be closed.
What do library managers think about this, I wonder? Are they pleased that our Library service is going down the pan? Do they care? Does anyone?
Posted by: Jan Worboys at June 11, 2009 10:23 PM
Unfortunately, however, the environment in which Local Authorities are permitted to make extensive cuts in the Library service is shaped at the top. Craig Westwood, from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, recently informed the inquiry into Library closures in the Wirral that “the Secretary of State does not believe library closures are inherently a bad thing” but said they need to be taken “in the context of a reasonable understanding of what the local need is” (Liverpool Daily Post, 11-6-2009).
Meanwhile two Liberal Democrat councillors who have been active in opposing the cuts face disciplinary action from their Party.
Posted by: Martyn at June 12, 2009 8:30 PM