Ian Anstice

There’s more than one way to skin a cat, or say the saying goes.  Suffolk is trying a new one.  It will be become the first authority in the country to have its libraries run by an Industrial and Provident Society, when it hands over its branches on 1st August. When faced with 27% cuts, with the fear of more, and no clear previous examples of how to go about it, it is unsurprising that radical solutions are being sought. Perhaps, though, they’re not so radical as all that: Trusts have been running libraries for years and communities taking over libraries is hardly novel either.  The reasons for trying these changes are obvious and varied – localism, efficiency and of course unpaid labour with the clear major reason being the cuts in budget.  The new library structures are there to try to maintain the service and to avoid closures but the danger is, of course, that they are being used a delaying tactic only. Maybe, in such times, it is the best that some authorities can hope for.

News

• Act risks limiting internet access in libraries, schools and universities – CILIP.   Digital Economy Act treats libraries in the same way as individuals.  This could mean “see the plug pulled on internet access across the country” which will have terrible consquences as “half of people who use the internet in a public space did so in a public library“.  Ed Vaizey’s 2011 assurance that libraries will not be covered by the Act has not come about in practice. “At a time when services across the public sector are experiencing reduced budgets and pressure to make savings, the costs of managing and monitoring the implementation of the Act and the risk of local authorities, schools, colleges and universities having their reputations damaged by being placed on an infringement list could lead many libraries to pull the plug on internet access altogether.” More >

• Manchester/national – Listen to BBC Radio Four “You and Yours” 12 noon Thursday12th July.  “The row that’s emerged over Manchester Central Library’s decision to dispose of more than a third of its books. Academics and writers have signed an open letter calling for the library to halt the process.” 
• Surrey – Surrey Libraries Action Movement are organising a protest outside County Hall on 24^th July, 1pm – 2pm.  This it timed to coincide with the council meeting to reconsider its plans to remove staff from ten libraries across Surrey and replace them with volunteers.  “Please would you encourage as many people as you can, to come along? We would urge anyone who is not happy about the councils plans to come along – whatever their viewpoint.  Bringing placards and banners would be really good; with slogans on, that give your message.” More >