Changes

Ideas

National

  • Neighbourhood News: The Time is Now – Carnegie UK Trust. “identifies six key questions for the future of local media in the UK. These questions focus on the funding environment, regulatory context and support systems for local news providers.”

International

  • A behind the scenes look at the new library – Global News (Canada). A “third space” including two recording students included after a consultation.  Also includes an auditorium or, if seats converted, an entirely flat space. Includes cinema/stage, two cafes.  Number of books increased by 40%. $57.6 million on budget and on schedule. Expected to open Autumn 2014. “Libraries are social capital for great cities like Halifax”.
  • Library Lantern: Librarians’ Newsletter – Taylor and Francis LibSite. “Published on a quarterly basis, the newsletter brings you updates on initiatives at T&F, plus news on topical issues. Regular features of the newsletter will include: Company news, Products & services, Special topics of interest, New journals, Bibliographic changes, Free trials, Conference reviews.” New edition includes interview with the boss of the Bodleian.
  • Planet Reading – Kulturis (Serbia / Global).  A free e-book on reader engagement in libraries including articles from Rachel Van Riel and Liz McGettigan.  Worth a dip.
  • PSA: Go hug puppies outside Moffitt Library – Daily Clog (USA). “This isn’t just a rare occurrence during dead week. Every semester, on the first Tuesday of the month, the UHS Tang Center arranges a Pet Hug event with Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. According to the UHS website, studies show interaction with companion animals lowers blood pressure and reduces anxiety (which is something we all need).“

Events

  • Graphic novel training day – 28th May in Glasgow. “This is a fantastic opportunity to get some practical advice on working with graphic novels in your school or public library. Spaces are limited so book up fast! Please note the fantastic price for student. This event is to be booked through eventbrite at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/graphic-novel-training-day-tickets-11463635041“

UK local news by authority

  • Highland – Directors sought for unpaid High Life Highland board posts – Ross-shire Journal. “HLH is responsible for delivering a wide variety of services including adult learning, archives, the arts, leisure facilities and libraries, museums, outdoor education, sport and youth work. The aim of the board of directors is to provide strategic direction and governance to the company and expert advice in supporting its management team in developing and promoting opportunities in culture, learning, sport, leisure, health and wellbeing.”
  • Lincolnshire – Volunteering to run libraries is a mistake, say protesters – Lincolnite. “Campaigners against Lincolnshire library service cuts said volunteers ‘made a mistake’ as they protested the roll-out of reduced opening hours on May 6. The protest took place at Lincoln Central Library from 8.45, handing out leaflets against cuts.”

“Campaigner Nick Parker said: “It was a mistake for anyone to volunteer for the council’s scheme. They’ve got a statutory obligation to deliver a service and so people should have boycotted the idea altogether. If no one volunteered to run the libraries the council would have been forced to carry on to fund it. My opinion is that people have been scared and bullied into becoming volunteers.””

  • Staffordshire – Consultation continues over future of libraries in Lichfield and Burntwood – Lichfield Mercury. “The future of libraries in Lichfield and Burntwood continues to look uncertain, with the launch of a new cross-party committee. A consultation exercise in January and February asked users, staff and interested parties how Staffordshire’s library service could best serve community needs and meet changing demand while providing value for money. Now an all-party committee of county councillors will scrutinise the authority’s consultation process over the future of the service. Members of the council’s Prosperous Staffordshire Select Committee will review the initial public response and how people’s views have influenced the next stage of consultation.”
  • West Sussex – The move of Midhurst library from Knockhundred Row to the new Grange centre has seen the number of users soar – Midhurst and Petworth Observer. “Of the 36 libraries in the county, Midhurst used to be at the bottom end of usage and now it is in the top half and on a par with the bigger libraries. This has been a quite a successful community project.”