CILIP launches ‘Good Library’ guidelines
abevan October 7th, 2009
CILIP has launched new Guidelines which it hopes will support public library services in England as they face increasing financial pressures.
Announced at the annual Public Library Authorities Conference in Bristol, the Guidelines state that a good library should be accessible with opening hours that suit local needs; well-resourced with materials that are regularly refreshed; and employ knowledgeable staff. They should also reach out to local communities, especially those who are unable or unwilling to visit, and provide programmes of activities and events to appeal to the local population.
Speaking at the conference, Bob McKee, CILIP’s Chief Executive, remarked:
I’ve been involved in four government reviews of public library service, two during the Thatcher/Major years and two during the Blair/Brown years and none of them have managed to produce a clear and comprehensive statement of what is expected of public library provision.
Read more on the CILIP website.