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Libraries threatened by in-fighting

26.11.07 Alison Flood

The warring factions in the library debate must come together to avoid forcing the public library service into a permanent downward spiral, according to a new report from influential think tank Demos and Hampshire's controversial libraries chief Yinnon Ezra.

The report, "Fact and Fiction: The Future of Public Libraries", divides the library lobby into two camps: the "book lobby", which argues that the solution lies in putting more re-sources into book stocks, and the "diversifiers", who believe that libraries are about more than books and need to broaden their offer. The book lobby thinks the diversifiers are philistines, while the diversifiers look on the book lobby as obtuse.

"Not surprisingly, each side's argument has some merit, but both have their flaws," wrote Ezra and Demos' John Holden. "For the future of the public library service, it is vital that the myths and realities are exposed for what they are, and that the two sides—who both passionately believe that libraries are a good thing—start to find common ground, and develop a common vision for the future."

The pair wrote that it is the "worrying downward spiral", which has seen more than 100 library closures since 2001, that "everyone who cares about libraries must avoid at all costs". "Painful as it is, restructuring and reorganisation needs to take place—it is the only route to the regeneration of our public libraries."

They believe there is not one answer to suit every local library, as then local communities are unable to voice how their local services should be constructed. "Adopting a 'one size fits all' approach would be wrong and patronising," they said. "Put simply, in some places, more books will indeed be what people want; in other places, they may prefer to invest in more computer access."

They called on the libraries world "to move on and move away" from "crude" analyses of footfalls and book stocks, as both are right "depending on where you live".

libraries Alison Flood

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By timcoates

Put simply "in other places they may prefer to invest in more computer access" is plain wrong. There can be no appeasement in this argument. The public -everywhere- want books in their libraries.. They are happy to have computers, too- but they are not happy when the book stocks are poor and do not cover their interests. These two people have been among the biggest destroyers of public libraries. Know them for what they have already done. In Hampshire the figures for the public library service are an absolute disgrace.

23 Nov 07 23:35

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By Martyn Everett

A quick examination of Public Library statistics demonstrates that the "downward spiral" has been going on for over ten years. The so-called "book lobby" (of which I count myself a member) are not against computerised resources in Libraries - far from it. Many reference sources are much better provided online than in out-of-date printed works - and it is great to be able to access these from home, as I can in Essex. Computerised catalogues and online reservations are great - but so are books. The argument about computers in Libraries is a complete red herring - they are already there, and have been for many years. Nobody is saying that they should be taken out. But neither should they be used as a stalking horse for the kind of cuts and changes they have been taking place. The whole focus of our criticism is that book stocks are being reduced, insufficient books are being purchased, and Libraries are being turned into "community centres" "one-stop shops" for council services, and even gyms, to the detriment of their use as libraries. Library closures, staff cuts, and falling bookstocks are resulting in people turning elsewhere for books and information. Of course, a "one-size fits all" approach is wrong, but so is the continual closure of small community libraries to finance services in big urban centres. Yinnon Ezra and John Holden want to find common ground with the book lobby. Until they can accept that continuing library closures, the neglect of library buildings, and the reduction of bookstock are unacceptable it will be very difficult indeed to find common ground.

24 Nov 07 11:10

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By Kenneth Millington

I have to say that it is refreshing to read such a forward thinking approach to the future of libraries. I think we all agree that books are and should remain to be at the core of what a library offers but simply investing in books and closing our eyes to the changing needs of library customers is commercial suicide. It is also true that the provision of computers has played a vital part in enticing customers through library doors, this is an important fact and shouldn’t be belittled. New media must be embraced by libraries, if they are to be prevented from ‘sleepwalking into disaster’. I believe that if a continuing decline in library use is to be reversed people need to start listening to the likes of Yinnon Ezra and John Holden. ‘These two men’ don’t claim to have all the answers but they do seem to be looking for them. I live in Hampshire and I have to strongly disagree with Tim Coates’ comments. I have seen some considerable investment be put into my local library, it has recently been refurbished and is now a really inviting space. I now also see many more young people visiting it than in previous years. In Hampshire we also now have the Winchester Discovery Centre, a ‘super library’ in the city centre with multi-media facilities, galleries, exhibition halls and lots and lots of books!!

07 Dec 07 07:50

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