At some point this week, Mr Vaizey will announce an independent review into e-book lending in public libraries. Do not make the mistake of thinking that this is not important.  Consider. E-books are likely, sooner or later, to be the effective replacement for printed books.  It may not happen this year, or in five years, or even in twenty.  But it is going to happen.  More >

• DCMS is to close – Good Library Blog.   ” the DCMS is to close- announcements will be made after the Olympic Games (unless they make such a hash of their contribution that the closure needs to come earlier. Bye Bye Dempster and Jonathan and and all the Sarah’s and Ian’s and Catherine’s. You have comprehensively ruined the library service, so it is time to go. Oh – and bye bye Ed.” More >

There’s a movie waiting to happen about Kensal Rise Library.  A tale of a community fighting against hopeless odds, faceless bureaucrats, devious local councillors and evasive national politicians.  I see Hugh Grant involved, although whether as a good guy or the hapless minister for libraries, it’s hard to say. The film starts with the busy thriving library as was (the way things are going this will have to be a reconstruction) then a plan is announced for a “Libraries Transformation Project“. Perhaps two users are saying to each other “ooh, that sounds good, the place could do with some new paintwork” but then the awful truth dawns.  A group is formed, alliances are made with others, a hive of activity ensues.  There’s a massive petitions then two court cases (including the first ever public libraries judicial review), celebrities, even more celebrities, all to no avail.  Peppered throughout all this footage would be flashbacks to Mark Twain opening the building and the great hopes of that time.  More >