A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it. For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.
THE GUARDIAN : 15th January
Libraries crisis set to get ‘much worse’ this year
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
Alan Wylie | Don’t Privatise Libraries : 14th January
Library workers unite and tweet!
http://dontprivatiselibraries.
WI report on volunteer-run libraries
http://www.thewi.org.uk/__
Good Ereader : 15th January
Bilbary Founder Tim Coates on What Libraries Need
http://goodereader.com/blog/
Postcode Gazette : 15th January
Sheffield | Library review: ‘Things have to change’ as council appeals for help
It comes after more than 6,000 people completed a survey which revealed that the top rated services in libraries was ‘quality and choice of books’. The next two things which people want are are ‘welcoming and comfortable’ libraries and that they are ‘within walking distance’.
In a blow to council chiefs who are looking to diversify what libraries provide, the survey found that the two least important services and facilities rated by respondents were ‘educational events and activities’ and ‘other social events and activities’.
http://postcodegazette.com/
Sheffield Star : 15th January
Leading Article | Over to you to save libraries
The message is a straightforward one from the council – unless the Big Society comes to the rescue up to 14 libraries could be closed. What isn’t clear is how organisations can help run the service. Will they be given budgets, expert support, how will they be run, the list goes on? The idea is a good one in theory, whether anything more than a simple lending service can ever come from it is debatable – which will mean the aspirations of many of those who filled in the survey will not be met.
http://www.thestar.co.uk/
Selby Times : 15th January
Plea for volunteers to take on Sheffield libraries
http://www.selbytimes.co.uk/
West Sussex Gazette : 15th January
Boost for online shoppers as West Sussex libraries get Amazon lockers
Lionel Barnard, County Council Deputy Leader responsible for the Library Service, said the lockers are a new and efficient way to shop online. He added: “They also help provide a regular income and ensure our branches are kept up-to-date with the latest technology.£
http://www.westsussextoday.co.
South Wales Argus : 15th January
Libraries in Maindee and Stow Hill, Newport could close to save council cash
http://www.southwalesargus.co.
Bucks Free Press : 15th January
MP praises Stokenchurch villagers as they keep open their library
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.
