Culture minister calls for "radical thinking" on libraries

By Liam Murphy on Dec 1, 09 12:18 PM

AFTER the mauling Wirral Council received in the media (including us) yesterday following the criticisms levelled at it by libraries inspector Sue Charteris, the Government has launched a consultation document on the future of libraries.

Headlined "Libraries must move with the times to win back public support and secure their future says Culture Minister Margaret Hodge" it seems to be the document Wirral Council's leaders were hoping for.

None of this negates the criticisms of Sue Charteris, indeed in her comments accompanying the Wirral Libraries report the minister Margaret Hodge said: "The Secretary of State welcomes Wirral MBC's decision to reconsider plans to restructure their library service. We hope that they will take account of the issues raised, alongside the conclusions which emerge from the national libraries review, when considering future decisions."

However, today she also said: "Local authorities spend around Â£1 billion a year on libraries and councils sometimes see them as a soft target for budget cuts. The secret of securing a bright future for the service lies in offering a modern, relevant and popular service they will defend. Good libraries have a buzz about them; they draw people in by offering things that people want, in a way that it is user friendly and welcoming for both young and old.

"It's not just about comfy couches and coffee, and it's not simply about computers and crÃšches - it's about much more. We need to think radically, and nothing should be out of bounds. New structures, new services, new ways of working - all of these need to be on the agenda of those who care about libraries and want a strong future for the library service."

In the consultation document, she said: "I know that some people were expecting a final policy document from us and some are disappointed that we are having a further period of consultation.

"But I want to take on board the comments from the All Party Parliamentary Group and CILIP, reflect on the process of the Wirral Inquiry, and I want to provoke a debate
on some of the more radical suggestions which have emerged over the last 12 months."

She then goes on to ask about the legislative framework under which libraries function, and poses the question "Does it need to be reformed?"

I suspect Wirral Council would say a loud "yes" to that - Steve Foulkes particularly highlighted to me the age of the Act (1964), the fact that it does not include anything related to the internet, digitising of books or any other of these factors which have been happening as the numbers of library users decline in recent years.

Margaret Hodge continued: "I know this is a controversial debate but we have just announced the outcome of the Wirral Inquiry and we need to consider what can be learnt from that. I think we can all agree that the process needs modernising,

"I believe that the Government should retain an ultimate power of intervention. Only with that authority can we maintain a universal library service. I don't think Government should prevent authorities from taking local decisions to close libraries if that makes sense locally and the needs of the community are taken into account,"

The document includes essays from many involved in libraries, as well as the business world and others. Bob McKee, Chief Executive, Charted Institute of Library
and Information Professionals, said he hoped the outcome of the Wirral Inquiry "could be
guidance on how the statutory duty placed on Public Library Authorities might be interpreted".

Wirral's cabinet member for culture Cllr Bob Moon accused the Government of ducking difficult decision until after the next election.

He said: "The 1964 Libraries Act is a museum piece - it needs to be moved away from the library service and consigned to the archives as soon as possible. Wirral is not alone in the challenges it faces. Library services around the country are desperate for some clear guidance so they can take action to face the challenges they need to address - without fear of Government interference."

Cllr Moon concluded by saying, "As in other local authorities all over the country, there is still much work to be done to move towards a sustainable libraries service in Wirral. We know resources to local councils will diminish as government seeks to pay back the national debt - all areas will need to be scrutinised, libraries cannot be excluded from this process without putting undue pressure on other important front line services."

"We know change is needed in the way our library services are delivered - in Margaret Hodge's words, we have got to "move with the times to stay part of the times". This means being realistic about what taxpayers can afford and innovative about how the service is delivered. This means thinking about new structures, new services and new ways of working for those who want a strong future for the library service."

The consultation is due to last two months, and I have been told elsewhere that the final report would be in the spring - although as Cllr Moon points out the Government may have more pressing matters to deal with by then.