Up to 1,000 UK libraries to close in next 18 months.....

[julian_craster]

Up to 1,000 UK libraries to close in next 18 months.....



BBC NEWS:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11037964

[ollie]

My DVD'S could do with a bit of DDC

[theuofc]

name='julian_craster' timestamp='1282726857' post='467862']

Up to 1,000 UK libraries to close in next 18 months.....



BBC NEWS:

http://www.bbc.co.uk...t-arts-11037964

The article doesn't break down figures of declining attendance in cities and villages, but I'd be interested to know where the higher numbers are. And why adults aren't visiting their library more often than once a week or month or even less frequently. One smaller library I have used is the one in the small town of Thirsk, near York. It was always crowded with people reading the newspaper or a new book; the computers were on high demand and one had to make an appointment limited to one hour to use one.



I don't know what I'd do without my local library. It's a godsend when my computer crashes, when I want to watch a film without buying it, read the latest newspaper or book, check out cds, etc. There are shelves of donated books, dvds, cds, magazines at a very low price. And the interlibrary loan has thrown up wonderful treasures from other libraries. It's also a cordial meeting place for book discussion groups and a lovely social place for the elderly especially those who are saving on air conditioning and come into the library and read in the cool.



Why aren't people going to the library more if not during the work week then on the weekends? It seems a shame to waste such a source.



Barbara

[didi-5]

As a librarian (but not in public libraries) I can see this day had to come but I am sad that more wasn't done to keep these services relevant to their core market. I don't use my public library. I know I should - but I struggle to think of a reason. And I have been well aware of their financial status for many years and that demand for their services was declining.



I appreciate that many do use the facilities available on the Internet, the reference sources, even (I hope) the professional knowledge of the staff. But to many I suspect that 'the library' is still synonymous with 'Shush' and ladies in twin-sets and pearls. That's the saddest thing of all.

[GRAEME]

"Up to" 1000 libraries "may" close. A non-story. Won't happen.



But then, I though Hitler was a flash in the pan.

[Mr Sloane]

name='GRAEME' timestamp='1282737799' post='467930']

"Up to" 1000 libraries "may" close. A non-story. Won't happen.



But then, I though Hitler was a flash in the pan.

I am surprised there are 1000 libraries left to close - there are few if any local libraries left around here just the old "central libraries".

[Steve Crook]

name='didi-5' timestamp='1282732462' post='467900']

As a librarian (but not in public libraries) I can see this day had to come but I am sad that more wasn't done to keep these services relevant to their core market. I don't use my public library. I know I should - but I struggle to think of a reason. And I have been well aware of their financial status for many years and that demand for their services was declining.



I appreciate that many do use the facilities available on the Internet, the reference sources, even (I hope) the professional knowledge of the staff. But to many I suspect that 'the library' is still synonymous with 'Shush' and ladies in twin-sets and pearls. That's the saddest thing of all.

The trouble is that libraries are a public service. One that is very valuable to the public, but one that costs a lot more than it brings in to the coffers of the local council. So when times are hard, they're an easy and obvious target for cut-backs.



Many councils have actually been cutting back on their library services for years. Cutting down on "proper" librarians and staffing the libraries with "assistants" who know how to check out a book, but not much more.



They have also been cutting back on the number of new books they hold, and the number of books in the library in total. They've been replacing the books with DVDs and computer games.



Most of them now also offer free internet services. Free to the end-user that is, but for how long?



Steve

[Nick Dando]

name='theuofc' timestamp='1282730954' post='467888']

It's a godsend when I want to watch a film without buying it, read the latest newspaper or book, check out cds, etc.

Barbara

Barbara, haven't you heard of shoplifting?



I must admit, even after 7 years living only a couple of miles from Stamford, and having a library van visit the village on a regular basis, I still haven't registered. I don't go into the centre of Stamford often enough to prevent me being fined for late delivery. And I've got into the habit of buying books I want, either through eBay, Amazon or ABE.



Nick

[CaptainWaggett]

name='Nick Dando' timestamp='1282744156' post='467962']

Barbara, haven't you heard of shoplifting?



I must admit, even after 7 years living only a couple of miles from Stamford, and having a library van visit the village on a regular basis, I still haven't registered. I don't go into the centre of Stamford often enough to prevent me being fined for late delivery. And I've got into the habit of buying books I want, either through eBay, Amazon or ABE.



Nick

Worth joining your library just to have free access to this lot from the comfort of your own home.

[julian_craster]

I suspect the vast majority of public library users are children (with their parents or teachers)*, young people in education* (up to college level, but excluding universities) and the over 60s (who were part of a generation educated to value books and literacy) and tramps etc. who sit in there all day in order to keep warm (and who nobody wants to sit near.........).



With the growth of downloadable books and other media (unimaginable to their Victorian founders) I would suggest the the future for 'free' public libraries ouside the major cities looks bleak, as they go the way of other great Victorian innovations such as the steam locomotive....Progress, I suppose !





[ * these services could perhaps, be more efficiently provided in schools and colleges (or a visiting 'Bookbus' ) than in a central library ]

[Windthrop]

name='theuofc' timestamp='1282730954' post='467888']

The article doesn't break down figures of declining attendance in cities and villages, but I'd be interested to know where the higher numbers are. And why adults aren't visiting their library more often than once a week or month or even less frequently. One smaller library I have used is the one in the small town of Thirsk, near York. It was always crowded with people reading the newspaper or a new book; the computers were on high demand and one had to make an appointment limited to one hour to use one.



I don't know what I'd do without my local library. It's a godsend when my computer crashes, when I want to watch a film without buying it, read the latest newspaper or book, check out cds, etc. There are shelves of donated books, dvds, cds, magazines at a very low price. And the interlibrary loan has thrown up wonderful treasures from other libraries. It's also a cordial meeting place for book discussion groups and a lovely social place for the elderly especially those who are saving on air conditioning and come into the library and read in the cool.



Why aren't people going to the library more if not during the work week then on the weekends? It seems a shame to waste such a source.



Barbara

I use North Yorks libraries too. My local gets me books I order in advance before their offical publication date. A great resource and one I hope we keep in some form. They need to embrace the digital age more effectively. Any suggestions ?

[CaptainWaggett]

We offer our readers an email enquiry service, a 24 hour online enquiry chat service, the ability to order and renew books online and c£40,000 of online reference resources which they don't need to leave their home to access. (it amazes me that more Britmovie members don't make use of the free newspaper archives they almost certainly have access to). Plenty of libraries lend ebooks. I'd say we've embraced the digital age pretty well (that's even ignoring the many free ICT courses we run and the free PCs we provide). Well, some libraries have. I don't actually recognise Julian's description of the average library user at all (and yes, we do keep very accurate statistics of usage). Oh, and our issue figure and footfall have been increasing over the last few years In fact, one of the libraries in my borough is the busiest in the country when you take size into account. We still going to have our services cut by £25 though

[Steve Crook]

name='CaptainWaggett' timestamp='1282746980' post='467975']

We offer our readers an email enquiry service, a 24 hour online enquiry chat service, the ability to order and renew books online and c£40,000 of online reference resources which they don't need to leave their home to access. (it amazes me that more Britmovie members don't make use of the free newspaper archives they almost certainly have access to). Plenty of libraries lend ebooks. I'd say we've embraced the digital age pretty well (that's even ignoring the many free ICT courses we run and the free PCs we provide). Well, some libraries have. I don't actually recognise Julian's description of the average library user at all (and yes, we do keep very accurate statistics of usage). Oh, and our issue figure and footfall have been increasing over the last few years In fact, one of the libraries in my borough is the busiest in the country when you take size into account. We still going to have our services cut by £25 though

Yes, you're offering a great service to the residents of the Borough. But are you making a profit? That's what the council want everyone to do.



Of course it's ridiculous that a library should even consider making a profit. But that's part of the current craziness



But a cut of just £25 isn't at all bad. Or should there have been a few more zeroes after that?



Steve

[CaptainWaggett]

name='Steve Crook' timestamp='1282748136' post='467979']

Yes, you're offering a great service to the residents of the Borough. But are you making a profit? That's what the council want everyone to do.



Of course it's ridiculous that a library should even consider making a profit. But that's part of the current craziness



But a cut of just £25 isn't at all bad. Or should there have been a few more zeroes after that?



Steve

£25 is still too much Think how many biscuits we could buy for that Though as you've spotted the best-case scenario is 25% (at least, that's what it was two weeks ago - I've been off for a couple of weeks so maybe there's been a miracle while I've been away )

[Steve Crook]

name='CaptainWaggett' timestamp='1282748675' post='467983']

£25 is still too much Think how many biscuits we could buy for that Though as you've spotted the best-case scenario is 25% (at least, that's what it was two weeks ago - I've been off for a couple of weeks so maybe there's been a miracle while I've been away )

Ouch. 25% is a big cut, no matter what your budget is

I won't be voting those councillors back into office



Steve

[Tonch]

name='didi-5' timestamp='1282732462' post='467900']



But to many I suspect that 'the library' is still synonymous with 'Shush' and ladies in twin-sets and pearls. That's the saddest thing of all.

Why sad? You say that like it's a bad thing!

name='Steve Crook' timestamp='1282743934' post='467961']



They have also been cutting back on the number of new books they hold, and the number of books in the library in total. They've been replacing the books with DVDs and computer games.



Steve

Sadly correct

name='Windthrop' timestamp='1282746156' post='467971']

They need to embrace the digital age more effectively.

Why?





I recall reading a very funny article by the great Keith Waterhouse bemoaning the fact that libraries were being revamped for the 21st Century. In his opinion they ought to have been dragged back kicking and screaming into the 19th Century... the library, he argued, should be a beloved, fusty old time portal into a whispering oasis of calm belonging to a slower age. In particular he objected to them becoming well-lit, vibrant cafes (lamenting that the aroma of coffee was replacing the smell of plastic dustjackets and leather bound tomes) without the comfortingly reassuring presence of a stern battleaxe randomly materialising from around a bookcase to issue the occasional "SHHHHH!!"



Come on, the "cosiness" of a silent enclave offering the tangible delights of an elusive hardback along with brief shelter from the increasing hurly burly of the outside rat race (or sometimes just the rain, to be honest) holds a broader appeal than many of us care to admit. Time for a bit of retro-marketing strategy I reckon!







(whispered): sorry...

[Rick C]

i can see a "Libraries featured in British Films" thread emerging here. Can i start off with "The Whisperers" (Bryan Forbes, 1967) and "Spy Who Came in from the Cold"?



Or is there a thread already for that purpose? Maybe there is "merge moderator" thread-wise on here!



I'm in the Library profession too-as a community worker with the elderly and in special circumstances. "Library at home" service type of thing, you know? But in the event of a big library premises scaledown can I suggest methods from my primary NGO work of book projects outside of UK?



I'm thinking along the lines of projects i have visited in Kenya and remoter parts of East Africa and 'favellas' of the Caribbean; such as a book-service by camel to outlying areas of the UK-like the minds of some politicians who thinks books are a burden a camel couldn't carry?

[theuofc]

name='Tonch' timestamp='1282749443' post='467989']

Why sad? You say that like it's a bad thing!



..... the "cosiness" of a silent enclave offering the tangible delights of an elusive hardback along with brief shelter from the increasing hurly burly of the outside rat race (or sometimes just the rain, to be honest) holds a broader appeal than many of us care to admit. Time for a bit of retro-marketing strategy I reckon! ...

I so agree, Tonch. In addition to my loving the books and items in a library, it has always been a welcome refuge of solitude and quietude, especially sitting back along the stacks. One can enjoy being around others there, yet not talk but just sit back and read or even watch the passing parade at the beat of one's own drummer. Ours is open seven days a week and until 9 pm weekdays. It's a lovely place, the library.



Barbara

[dremble wedge]

name='theuofc' timestamp='1282764382' post='468055']

Ours is open seven days a week and until 9 pm weekdays.

My local library (which is the main one in the area) shuts at 1 on Wednesday afternoon, 4 on Saturday afternoon and doesn't open at all on Sunday. It has only recently (within the last couple of months) made a toilet available to customers. I think they have some way to go yet...

[CaptainWaggett]

name='dremble wedge' timestamp='1282764957' post='468057']

My local library (which is the main one in the area) shuts at 1 on Wednesday afternoon, 4 on Saturday afternoon and doesn't open at all on Sunday. It has only recently (within the last couple of months) made a toilet available to customers. I think they have some way to go yet...

You want your library to open on a Sunday? Have you learned nothing from Whisky Galore?