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April 16, 2010
LLL Manifesto for the London Council elections
Friday, 16 April 2010
Library Improvement Overdue
Libraries for Life for Londoners (LLL), an alliance of library campaigning groups across the capital, has published a Library Manifesto and calls for the Mayor of London to take a hands-on role in the improvement of London’s libraries and deliver the changes promised by the London Library Change Programme (LLCP).
LLL believes only direct intervention from the Mayor will provide the motivation for the LLCP to start living up to its name and implementing the changes required to improve London’s libraries for Londoners. A new start for public libraries should be his legacy.
LLL, chairman, Tim Coates said, “The London Library Change Programme was established in 2007, has spent over £300,000 and changed precisely nothing. Improving libraries is not difficult and can fundamentally be addressed by increasing opening hours, improving book collections and creating attractive environments to read, work or study.”
The council elections and new government create the perfect environment for change and LLL’s Library Manifesto outlines the key areas that need to be addressed to give Londoners the libraries they deserve.
LLL’s Library Manifesto
Change is overdueThe LLCP needs to become action orientated and help individual councils improve their library services by meeting specific targets by agreed dates. Personal intervention from the Mayor is required.
Increase opening hoursLondon is a city that never sleeps, yet many libraries close for lunch. Providing access to library services means opening libraries at times when the community want them open.
Improve book collections and other reading materialIn the past decade, book collections have been halved and they need to be restored. Increased funding needs to be allocated to new stock, replacement stock and giving the public access to special collections.
Improve the standard of the library buildingsLibraries should be attractive and dignified places to visit and in which to read or study. Keep them clean, safe and smart.
Embrace technologyPublic computers need to be in good condition and easy to use. As the speed of technology increases so will the level of investment required to ensure library computers remain up-to-date.
Review budgets and use funding effectivelyLibrary services are adequately funded but many councils are spending the money badly. A budget review will identify wastage and ultimately increase funding for books, buildings and front-line staff.
Do not close libraries to save money Savings will be tiny compared to the animosity generated among library users. Many library users are members of society that are often marginalised – the elderly, the unemployed, single-parent families – and the negative impact on these people’s lives following library closures will outweigh any cost reductions.
Liberate the librariesCouncils should give each library and its staff freedom and resources to respond professionally and energetically to the library needs of all in their own local community.
Engage with the library’s communityLibraries and library services should actively work with users of their libraries whether as 'friends' groups or campaign groups, in the management of their libraries.
Credit where credit is dueGood performance deserves recognition and LLL will give star ratings and publicise the best libraries and library services in the capital and will always help any council that strives to improve.
-ends-
About Libraries for Life for Londoners - www.librarylondon.org
LLL is an alliance of London library user groups. It was set up in late 1999 to be a coordinated voice in the battle to save and promote libraries across the capital.
About Tim Coates
Tim Coates is long-standing library campaigner and was elected chair of LLL in April 2010. He has been instrumental in modernising book selling in the UK and is a former managing director of Waterstone’s book stores.
More Information:
Niklas Pettifor – P&P – niklas@pettifor.com - +44 (0)20 7936 9269
Posted by Perkins at April 16, 2010 9:49 PM
Comments
A very good manifesto and one which clearly outlines the main concerns that many of us who care about london's libraries have. In 'Cultural Metropolis' the Mayor mentions libraries but not in any detail and I agree that what is needed is direct intervention in order to force the LLCP to consult with staff and users. If this had been done from the start then £300,000 could have been saved and a co-ordinated strategy might have been achieved.
Posted by: Alan Wylie at April 17, 2010 12:54 PM
I'd still like to march on DCMS/MLA and put their senior management to the sword (think of the redundancy money we'd all save...), but quite willing to come down to London Thursday-Sunday sometime and actually appear in person before the LLL after thrashing various library bodies on here for the last four years. Incidentally, Bob McKee of CILIP, don't think I've forgotten about you! What about this 'Big Conversation' meeting then?
Posted by: James Christie at April 20, 2010 4:48 PM