Archive for July, 2014

Editorial

I get asked for an “elevator pitch” (what reasons you’d give for funding if you were stuck in a lift with a decision maker for a minute) for public libraries every now and again and I keep on tailoring my response as I learn more and think further on the subject.  I normally throw in a whole load about libraries as third spaces, about Digital By Default and all that sort of stuff.  Well, my “pitch” is going to change a bit because I came across a wonderful US article which simply talks about libraries as the “great equalizer”. Yes. That is so true.  Libraries provide the books for those who cannot afford the books, the help with computers for those who don’t know computers, the online access for those with no online access and the study space for those without study space . We’re the community chest of resources that means that, even if you have no money, you can learn and communicate with the best of them.  Even if you don’t speak the same language. And by providing that, we provide the social welfare, the literacy, the jobseeking, the you name it that means that all of the population has a chance to become equals.  So when you’re next in a lift with a person in sharp business clothes who is wondering who you are, tell him.  Tell him that your service is vital for a fair society, for improving incomes and outcomes.  And then sting him or her for some money.  It’s only fair.

And if you want any more factual information about what I’ve just said, see the pages on the menu on “Why Libraries?” on that toolbar at the top of this page.  See, I’ve made it easy for you.  All you have to do is go to your HQ and hang around in a lift.

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Asking questions in Parliament is a great way of finding information out and scoring points off the other side.  The Shadow Minister for Libraries, Helen Goodman, however, appears to be using her questions to show how little research she has done.  Her latest question on statistics shows a lack of understanding of basics and also little idea of any strategy.  What was she expecting Ed to say? For goodness sake, ask about what efforts he is making to repair bridges with CILIP after their historic vote of no confidence in him.  Or about what he will do in the Wirral about the cuts to libraries there, especially since he was positively seething about the lack of action by the minister in precisely that authority when he was in opposition.  Those questions I can see the point of.  Let’s hope she gets a clue soon, because there are open goals there.  She just needs to learn to shoot straight.

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