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July 4, 2009
What is being done for public libraries in London?
This blog has often said that we have watched the needless collapse of the public library service in London and that the bureaucrats who are responsible for it meddle and muddle endlessly in the wrong activities.
In my list of recent major reviews I included 'whatever is going on in London' because there generally is one initiative or another which occupies a lot of time and paper. Methodical espionage by our tirelesss research department has found out what is happening.
For your amusement - here it is
Believe me- -when one asks what is being done about libraries in London, this is the work that is cited. I leave the comments to readers, except to say that committees of librarians- like this one- simply do not bring improvement. Never have, never will.
Posted by Perkins at July 4, 2009 8:33 AM
Comments
Perkins, please send the item to the 'Campaign for Plain English' immediately.
Posted by: Shirley Burnham at July 4, 2009 5:35 PM
Well of course, "Not much" is the answer to your question - but what must be done?
(1) A unified catalogue, which would also allow for a London-wide library card.
(2) A unified purchasing and processing operation.
(3) Co-ordination of online reference facilities - accessible via a single card
(4) Improved opening hours, and improved library stock
(5) Rapid availability of new books
(6) Redecoration and new furniture in run-down libraries
(7) A new central London Library similar to the one in Amsterdam - this partly to reduce demand at the British Library which is currently being used for this purpose.
(8) Setting up a central book reserve for older stock.
Many of these things can be done co-operatively so that they don't threaten local autonomy. Some would also save money and allow for the redeployment of staff and resources to provide a better service to the readers.
Posted by: Martyn at July 7, 2009 12:45 PM