Ian Anstice

News

• Community-run libraries “could charge” – BookSeller.  Article already mentioned here but the comments are interesting.
• Future face of literature – Sunday Times (behind paywall).  Enfield librarian Ruper Colley comments on piece on iPad and Ebooks.
• IT Boss admits swindling £500,000 from National Library of Scotland – Daily Record.  “Throw the book at him”.
• Libraries are the beating hearts of our communities – NRToday.com (USA).
• New public library chapter in Santa Clarita – Signal (USA).   Controversial LSSI takeover of three-branch system favourably reported.  “The provision of excellent library services in our community is a top priority for our city. Our local libraries will have the benefit of a new partnership with LSSI, a professional library-management company that currently provides services to 13 public-library systems and 63 branch operations across the country, including the Library of Congress.”
• This is our last public space – American Libraries (USA). 
• Want to know print’s future? It will cost you – Guardian. Average British consumer spends £4 per month on ebooks.  Article speculates that books will divide with cheap paperbacks/vanity disappearing but quality hardbacks remaining. 
• We need libraries – One man and his beard.   “Don’t close our [guitar] Don’t close out [guitar] Don’t close our libraries”.
• Where life begins again and friends live forever – JJ Brown, Author (USA).

Changes to service

Croydon – Dozen library staff lost in April. 

Local News 

• Birmingham – Tesco awarded for listed library development – Retail Gazette.  Spring Hill Library now linked to new Tesco.  “The library, constructed in 1893, was saved from demolition in the 1970s and now following the award-winning development it is linked to the Tesco outlet via a covered walkway and a new lift, helping to boost footfall.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Ellesmere Port library to close for major refurbishment – Ellesmere Port Pioneer. “The project includes the installation of self-service book issue and return, self-serve People’s Network and remodelling of the entrance area. There will also be a layout change, Wi-Fi installation, improved toilet facilities, complete redecoration, carpeting and improved ventilation.”
• Croydon – Secret meetings and council silence over library sell-off scheme – Inside Croydon.  Council are being very quiet about “market testing” proposal looking into privatising libraries, despite large-scale multimedia publicity of other council projects. Commenter worries that privatisation will mean increase in fees and distress to poorer users.
• Croydon – New Addington residents have their say at Councils’ first question time – Guardian series.   “We listened to the thousands of people who responded to recent consultations on parking and libraries, and we listened to the 2,500 people who told us how they wanted their money spent last year..”
• Gloucestershire – Library closure plans halted by injunction – Wilts and Glos Standard.
• Leeds – Rationalisation of Library Services: email from official – What Do They Know?
• Northern Ireland – Rural Community + Mobile Library = Nonsense – BBC Your Week in Pictures.  Killyleagh Library protesters with mock up library van make their point.

Two very important documents have come to light today.  The first is by the MLA and appears to have been published, quietly, on 29th May.  Called “Community Managed Libraries” it is a must-read for all interested in the current cuts to public libraries.  It details the current volunteer-run library scene and the pros and cons (not, interestingly, as comprehensive as the page on this site) of the model.  Far more interestingly, it examines those libraries currently being considered for “divesting” to the community and analyses which ones would stay statutory.  That is, it examines whether the council could claim that they are still meeting their duties in those communities under the 1964 Act.  It’s last paragraph may spread a feel of dread (or, depending on one’s point of view and/or situation, conceivably, of hope) to those currently using libraries:

“The benefits (and issues) inherent in community management and support of libraries are clear from the evidence; the door is open for local authorities not simply to transfer libraries to community management to ensure efficiencies, but to work with communities to transition the process in a thoughtful and strategic manner to create shared benefits for local government, but also local community, and local user.”

The second document is also well-researched and professional, but in all other ways is very different. It comes from UNISON.  Called “Love Your Libraries” it is also an essential read for library users, staff and campaigners.

395 libraries (319 buildings and 76 mobiles) currently under threat or closed/left council control since 1/4/11 out of c.4612 in the UK (for the complete list by area see the page “Tally by local authority”). Librarian professional body CILIP forecasts 600 libraries under threat (inc. 20% of English libraries).  The Public Libraries News figure is obtained from counting up all reports about public libraries in the media each day.

News

Cash-strapped councils likely to recruite fewer graduates and school-leavers – Wales Online.   “In some authorities, workers have accepted pay cuts as an alternative to redundancy, while “non-statutory” services like libraries and leisure centres are facing the real possibility of closure.”
Community Managed Libraries – MLA.  Complete report on the current situation regarding volunteer-run libraries in the UK.  Essential reading for all library campaigners and those with a viewpoint on library cuts and closures.

“…if Ed Vaizey is passionate about libraries and his government is working behind the scenes to save them, then that must be the best kept secret in the country.  I have seen leakier super-injunctions.” Edited speech by Patrick Ness.

Love your libraries: Campaign pack for libraries – UNISON.  “This short information pack is designed for use in local branches and provides information on the key issues affecting
library services as well as guidance on how to mount a successful campaign in your area.”
Love your libraries campaign – WI.  Actions for members include joining library, sign the petition, write to councillors.

“Ness, who described himself as a “child that libraries built”, praised the work of librarians. “Librarians open up the world,” he said. “Knowledge is useless if you don’t even know where to begin to look. How much more can you discover when someone can point you in the right direction, when someone can maybe even give you a treasure map, to places you may not have even thought you were allowed to go? This is what librarians do.” Patrick Ness accepts Carnegie medal with fierce defence of libraries – Guardian.

Time to throw the book at Ed Vaizey – Independent (John Walsh).  “It’s a shame. Ed Vaizey could easily have been the champion of library users. If only he had grown some bollocks at the Culture ministry, spoken out and not been stifled by civil servants. Instead he is ineffectual and impotent in office, a former can-do idealist, a man who body-swerves confrontations and decisions: Mr Evazey.”

Blackpool – Mereside and Boundary libraries saved for 12 months – BBC. “Councillor Graham Cain, cabinet member for tourism and culture said: “We have been engaging with the residents and listening to what they want from the council. Libraries are a vital link with the community. We have got some people that rely on them.”

“Precise figures are hard to come by but at least one source has mentioned over 40. However, the leadership is in retreat after a Conserative group meeting held this week saw backbenchers express their horror at the scale of the possible cuts and demanded a re-think. Sources say that many county councillors were aghast at the proposals, not least because some of those identified for closure were in Kent’s Conservative heartlands. Others pointed out that they had made various election commitments that local libraries in their areas would be safeguarded.” Kent – Rare Conservative retreat over library closures plans: how a retreat happened – Kent Online.  

The minister for libraries, Ed Vaizey, said it is “better to discuss with local authorities before we press the nuclear button of intervening” at the “Future of Libraries in the Big Society” conference (Cost per ticket – £718 for companies, £358 for the discounted members – it’s unclear if volunteers delegate tickets were free) today.  Mr Vaizey then said he will decline to act until he has been advised that “there is a prima facie case that they [the local authority] have breached their library duties. I haven’t been given that advice yet.”.  Reports from the conference suggest he praised the new Community Knowledge Hub website which is a resource for those wishing to run public libraries with volunteers. Mr Vaizey then went on to concentrate on positive stories such as Newcastle and Manchester Libraries updating their Facebook pages.

An immediate response from a Gloucestershire campaigner, where the public is having to fund a legal challenge to the council’s plans to cease funding 16 libraries, was “Is this man on another planet?!”.  Alan Gibbons says that Ed Vaizeys’ “comments threaten to turn complacency into an art form”. 

Shirley Burnham chronicles in the comments of the BookSeller article how Ed Vaizey was keen on intervention when in opposition (see below):

9 February 2010 : Vaizey and Hodge Clash over Library Future
“Vaizey said it was ‘outrageous and offensive’ to everyone who ever cared about books and reading …..”
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/vaizey-and-hodge-clash-over-library-fu…
7 February 2010 : Vaizey on Libraries – “We can’t go on like This !”
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/vaizey-libraries-we-cant-go.html
3 March 2009 : Vaizey Slams Burnham [“Ignoring his responsibilities as Secretary of State !”]
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/vaizey-slams-burnham.html
23 January 2009 : Vaizey Tables Early Day Motion on Wirral
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/vaizey-tables-early-day-motion-wirral…. 

393 libraries (319 buildings and 74 mobiles) currently under threat or closed/left council control since 1/4/11 out of c.4612 in the UK (for the complete list by area see the page “Tally by local authority”). Librarian professional body CILIP forecasts 600 libraries under threat (inc. 20% of English libraries).  The Public Libraries News figure is obtained from counting up all reports about public libraries in the media each day.

News

Annie Mauger gives key speech at The Future of Library Services in the Big Society conference – CILIP.  “Annie stressed that professional staff understand the information needs of the communities they serve, and can plan to meet them. That librarians are trained to deliver impartiality, neutrality and safety. As a result libraries are an impartial and trusted source of information.”
Community Knowledge Hub – New government sponsored website for running libraries with volunteers announced by Ed Vaizey at the “Future of Libraries in the Big Society” conference.
Confronting the future: Strategic visions for the 21st Century Library – ALA (USA).  Survey from the American Library Association on what the future holds for public libraries.

 “Now, Nicholas I don’t want to teach you to suck eggs but what I find in my local library are books, mainly for people to take away to borrow. They can open the doors, present a card and then leave with nuggets of literature bound in plastic so nare a spill should tarnish their incredible cover.  For those who have tunnel vision, there are also volumes that will allow them to read at some distance.  My grandmother used to love a Catherine Cookson from a library.  She would mount it at the end of her long hallway and still, with those uncataracted eyes, she would be able to make out even the most nugatory of vowels.  It is an incredible place of learning.  We must fight to make sure that no government removes these accessible institutions which gave those… (MASSIVE CHEERING)… Save the Libraries!” Sue Perkins, Just A Minute (Radio Four, 14.30 to 15.30)

Shared back office costs saves libraries – ConservativeHome.  “The proposals are being backed by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries Ed Vaizey MP.”  “of 1,500 residents who took part in a telephone survey in February, said the three authorities should share as much as possible. 34 per cent said there should be some sharing of services. Only 13% of people were opposed to sharing services”
Union will continue to fight for libraries – UNISON.   “Dissent is everywhere, and we need to be at the forefront of it,” declared Mary Pearson of the local government service group executive, as conference delegates in Manchester vowed to continue the campaign for the nation’s libraries. With voters across the country rebelling against library closures, conference called on UNISON to: build alliances across the library network, including users and local communities; fight for a key public service which makes up just 1% of local government spending, but is invaluable in improving people’s life chances.”

Changes

Hackney – Front-line staff cut by £700k 2010-11, more senior managers.
Rotherham – Central Library to be demolished, libraries to move to new Civic Building, co-locating with customer services.
Southwark – Consultation 27 June to 30th September.

Local News 

Croydon – Schools and groups queue up to run libraries, apparently – That Woman’s Blog.  “It can only be assumed, in the absence of any “real” Sanderstead people coming forward to volunteer, Eldridge and his new chums at Croydon Council will enlist the help of pixies, elves and the occasional mythical beast, found from within the woods of leafy Sanderstead, which is bound to be a draw card for even the most reluctant young reader.”
Dorset – Future of Dorset libraries still hang in balance – Dorset Echo.  Closing ten libraries will be the recommended option when full council meets July 21st.  Also Closure threat still hangs over libraries (Daily Echo).

Ealing – Report will now be available online from Friday 24th June – Ealing Today.  “We are determined to deliver a high-quality library service that serves all residents across the borough. This meeting is the first opportunity to look at how we can work with volunteers and community groups.”
Hackney – Slow death of the library service: unnecessary cuts despite the mayor’s promises – UNISON Hackney.  Front-line cut, £100k new senior managers.  £700k savings in redundancy not counted off libraries budget. Poor security, poor self-service, “botched” supplier selection of books meaning duplicate and even second-hand stock, quarter of computers not working, Hackney Unison Branch Secretary, Matthew Waterfall said ‘“There will be hardly enough staff to keep the doors open, this is a slow death sentence for the library service.”
North Yorkshire – Volunteers sought to help save library – Yorkshire Post. Hunmanby: “No one in the local area wants the library to close, but we need to show that there is enough support to keep it open. The friends group is looking to explore all options, and the meeting will be an opportunity to hear people’s ideas about what should be done.”

“The Steering Group that was formed to establish the Friends of Benson Library is very pleased to announce that the official launch will take place on 23 June 2011 at 7:00pm. You are very welcome to attend. We will take you through the detail of what we have been doing and what lies ahead. Make no mistake, the services that Benson Library offers are not safe, secure or in any way protected. We need your support to secure the best possible result.Oxfordshire – Friends of Benson Library Official Launch – Friends of Benson Library.

Rotherham – Defend Rotherham Central Library – Rotherham Against the Cuts.  Library to move to ground floor of new Civic Building, co-locating with customer service centre.
Southwark – Public consultation – Southwark Council. “Make suggestions about how savings could be achieved”.

393 libraries (319 buildings and 74 mobiles) currently under threat or closed/left council control since 1/4/11 out of c.4612 in the UK (for the complete list by area see the page “Tally by local authority”). Librarian professional body CILIP forecasts 600 libraries under threat (inc. 20% of English libraries).  The Public Libraries News figure is obtained from counting up all reports about public libraries in the media each day.

(S) marks updates added on Sunday.

News

As US firm seeks to run beloved institutions, are we at risk of “barbarism”? – Express.  LSSI’s interest in UK libraries is noted, as is it’s current tiny presence in the UK (apparently it’s office is above a shop).  While fears about it are noted, some campaigners argue it could keep open some libraries under threat. (S)
At least ten arrested in Friday afternoon library cut protest in Oakland – Contra Costa Times (USA).  “The demonstration opposed Oakland library cuts and other austerity measures and began around 4 p.m. It was uneventful at first, but when the protesters moved to the street, blocking traffic, and refused police orders to disperse, at least 10 were arrested on suspicion of offenses ranging from failure to disperse to battery on a police officer.”
Localism Bill – House of Lords.  Attempt by three peers to exclude the Libraries Act from the Bill.
Running to spread word on literacy – Northern Echo.   “For the past four years, thousands of youngsters in Darlington have been rewarded by Miss Youldon’s enthusiasm through her role as Bookstart co-ordinator and community engagement officer for children aged up to seven at the town’s Crown Street library.” “There has been lots in the press about libraries. I thought it was interesting that we are looking at closing libraries in our country, when in the Third World they want to set up libraries.”
This week in libraries – TWIL (a half-hour TV show on libraries no less, based in the Netherlands but in English).  Interview with Justin Hoenke (Teen Librarian, Portland, USA).
Volunteer use “not right approach” to spending cuts” – BBC.   Trading Director of Oxfam says depending on volunteers alone ro run libraries is wrong.  Rather, any volunteers should be additional and complementary to a well-funded library service with a paid staff. (S)
West London councils combine library forces – Londonist.  “Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea councils have announced plans to combine library services, in a move they say will secure the future of all libraries in the area and one that will presumably send Eric Pickles into paroxysms of joy.” Article worries that the councils in question will be closing libraries despite combining services (S)

Changes to services

Cheshire West and Chester – Libraries may move to becoming a community interest company, charitable trust or other charitable organisation.

Local News

Camden – Gran outraged at anti-Semitc book found in at Kilburn Library – London24.  ‘Are Jews Responsible for 9/11’ book on shelves.  “As a Jew I found it exceptionally offensive, but in this instance the complaint by Gillian actually changed Camden policy. Senior librarians will monitor book orders very closely.”(S)
Cheshire West and Chester – Union fears over plan to outsource more services – Chester Chronicle.  UNISON: “From our point of view it means dealing with another employer who might seek to change our members terms and conditions or, as with Connexions, they might turn around and say we have not got the money to do things so we will have to make cuts.”
Croydon – Libraries under threat of LSSI takeover – Sanderstead Library Campaign.  Regarding Express article “Learning of dealings with LSSI being made so swiftly will only serve to raise residents’ suspicion and concerns in Croydon.” (S)
Ealing – Hanwell, Northfields, Northolt and Perivale library buildings “stay open” – BBC.  Decision on 5th July.  “Ms Brown said she suspected the mobile service had received little support during a recent consultation because it was mostly web-based and so was not completed by many elderly people.”
Gloucestershire – High Court injunction on library closure plans – This is Glos.  Cllr Mark Hawthorne blames campaigners for the cost of questioning the legality of his plans to withdraw funding for 10 libraries.
Gloucestershire – Mark Hawthorne costing taxpayers thousands – Thoughts of a [wannabe] librarian.  “arguably the most incompetent council leader in the country”, “Yes, it is costly and frustrating for taxpayers Mark.  Which begs the question, why did your council embark on a disgraceful consultation that took little noticed of the needs and requirements of the local community?”
Hackney – Support our libraries, stop these unnecessary cuts – Hackney Unison.   Members to strike over reduction in numbers (25% of staff to be lost), cuts in wages (£2000 plus), loss of paid breaks. Investment could save money eg. stop the theft of DVDs.
Hampshire – New county library service set to start – News.   1200 stops cut to 365 stops, which be withdrawn if there are fewer people than 10 per stop in one year.
Isle of Wight – Library protesters at ministry – IWCP.  “accused the Isle of Wight Council of failing to consult properly, unfairly discounting a 9,000-name petition and encouraging parish and town councils to break double taxation rules over library funding.”
North Yorkshire – Libraries saved as vans face axe – Ripon Gazette.  
Suffolk – Not for profit company may help run libraries – Bury Free Press.   “The main proposal we’ll be putting to cabinet in July is to have a social enterprise, an arms length, not for profit company. We feel that’s the best vehicle to assist people to take forward their ideas – and there are some great ideas.”
Waltham Forest – Library closure consultation begins – This is Local London. “The authority says that the proposal to shut the South Chingford branch in Hall Lane and Harrow Green library in Leytonstone is the most efficient way of cutting £1million from the service’s annual budget.” Consultation until 9 September.
Wokingham – Library outrage sparks petition – Reading Chronicle.  Protester says “I am appalled by the thought of companies making a profit out of libraries. Libraries should be for the benefit of residents, not city sharks.”.  Council responds “This plan means we will be able to save money and give a better service, so I do not know what the petition is campaigning to save the libraries from. We are still providing the service that the residents want, but it is nonsense to think that all of the services have to be run directly by the council at Shute End.”(S)

“What we have agreed is to use a European process called “Competitive Dialogue”. What this is is to ask interested parties to suggest ways of improving our library service within a given framework (including libraries cannot close). At the end of the response period the replies will be analysed and used to produce 2 key documents 1) Requirements Specification and 2) Business Case. Those documents will be reviewed and if not acceptable by the Executive then nothing will change. If they are then, and only then, will the normal tendering process start with a view to outsourcing the operation only (i.e. all assets will be retained by the Council).” (Cllr Keith Baker, Wokingham Council)

I take from this that, of course, it may be privatised but the deal is not yet done and other alternatives are still on the table.

393 libraries (319 buildings and 74 mobiles) currently under threat or closed/left council control since 1/4/11 out of c.4612 in the UK (for the complete list by area see the page “Tally by local authority”). Librarian professional body CILIP forecasts 600 libraries under threat (inc. 20% of English libraries).  The Public Libraries News figure is obtained from counting up all reports about public libraries in the media each day.

News

Age of uncertainty – Independent. “Later learning enriches the lives of thousands of elderly people. But widespread library closures could spell an end to many of these study groups”.  The U3A “requires nothing from the public sector except a level of infrastructure, and in particular, good public libraries everywhere. Taking that away is appallingly short-sighted and, even in economic terms, it will cost more in the long term.”

Free libraries from government – Orange County Register (USA).   Pro-privatisation piece following on from California bill making it harder to privatise libraries “This also is just more state meddling in local matters. AB438 also is part of the ongoing effort of the Democratic majority to protect government union jobs from being privatized – even at the expense of strained local budgets.”
The #savelibraries chat I had with Ed Vaizey at the Children’s Laureate announcement – @MarDixon.  ” Well actually I just blocked the door but it worked.  I asked him why he didn’t ever tweet me back.  He knew then who I was because at first he got defensive(ish) and asked if I have read his report.” 
Three London Tory councils say libraries will not close – BBC. “27.5 full-time jobs cut from a workforce of 259, with annual savings of £1m”.
Use every trick in the book to save at your local library – Independent (Eire).  “The number of visits increased by 13% between 2007 and 2009, and statistics from individual library services suggest that this increase has been maintained. The number of books being borrowed has also increased,”

Changes 

Pembrokeshire – CDs withdrawn.
Warrington – Photocopiers withdrawn in all libraries except Central.

Local News

Camden – Future of libraries under question – Highgate People.  “The survey found that many residents use more than one library across Camden and do not feel tied to a local library.  People under 45 were more likely to prefer fewer libraries across the borough offering better services, with older residents feeling that a local library service is important. Overall, 57% of people who responded to the survey would prefer to keep all 13 of Camden’s libraries open with reduced opening hours.”
Camden – Hand-over could be shelved: four Tory councillors force “call-in” of strategy – Camden New Journal.  ““There is a little hope the call-in will allow Camden to reconsider its decision. All things are possible but Camden does not appear minded to be sensible. Councillors have not thought things through.”
Gloucestershire – Enjoy pampering to support library – This is Glos. “”It’s just turned out to be a good way of raising money, which we will need when we take on the running of the library.”
Isle of Wight – Library supporters ask council decision to be reviewed by Ethics Committee – Friends of the IW Library Service.  “At last nights full council meeting, the ruling Tory group, following their usual non-democratic procedures refused to allow Cllr Jonathan Bacon (Ind) to ask a question about libraries.  In view of this and several other matters we are  asking the Ethical Standards Committee to investigate the IW Council.   Rather than just one or two of us signing the letter we are seeking signatures from Islanders in the form of a petition
North Yorkshire – County Council backs fair solution to libraries’ future – North Yorks Council. Examples of successful community libraries include “a pub in Hudswell”.
North Yorkshire – Mobile library stops at budget “crossroads” – Whitby Gazette.   “We are being told that they are going to make everyone redundant and get volunteers to staff it, but that’s totally wrong.”
North Yorkshire – More time for libraries plan to be finalised – Scarborough Evening News. 
Suffolk – Campaigners fight on against divestment – Tendance Coatesy.  Council still cutting budget, seeking other organisations to run libraries, wishing to avoid running libraries directly.
Surrey – Save Surrey Libraries – Save our services in Surrey. “This is only the beginning – if these closures go ahead without serious public and staff opposition then there will be a Phase 2 and Phase 3 until no more libraries are run directly by the public sector.” 
Warrington – Photocopiers axed in libraries – This is Cheshire. Photocopiers no longer profitable.  “Visitors can use scanners on computers to make any copies of documents in the future”
Warwickshire – Residents plan to run library – Rugby and Lutterworth Observer.  Robin Aird, chairman of Dunchurch Parish Council, said: “There has been a lot of support from the community. We had a very good turn out for the meetings held in the village and we received over 1,400 signatures on the petition. We are very hopeful that the county council will support our plan.”
Warwickshire – We need our books, say Whitnash library users – Courier.  “We all know that cuts have to be made and the money has to come from somewhere, but over a quarter of a million pounds was spent refurbishing this building just a couple of years ago. Fifteen hours a week amounts to semi-closure. Where’s the economic sense in that?” 
West Sussex – Big changes afoot for Horsham district’s libraries – West Sussex County Times.  “Libraries are one of the most wonderful things local government has done for 100 years, and they should not be put at risk.” – looking at co-location, increasing income.
Worcestershire – Council libraries close? – Evesham Journal.  “concerns about potential library closures has prompted people to flock to the buildings.” 4 libraries may go. Kathy Kirk of the council said: “It’s great to see so many people taking an interest.”