Public library closures in England: the need to Act?

Emerald - 2009
DavidMcMenemy1
1Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK

Tóm tắt

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the relevance of the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act in light of recent announced public library closures in England and the subsequent investigation by the Secretary of State for Culture into proposed closures in Wirral libraries. The paper asks whether the Act is fit for purpose or merely confuses the status of public libraries in a legal sense. It provides a discussion of the limitations of the Act, some background to recent public library closure controversies, and the powers central government have to intervene locally.Design/methodology/approachProvides a reflective viewpoint.FindingsThe paper finds that a new Act may be necessary to further define how public libraries should provide services and what a basic level of provision is defined as.Practical implicationReflects on the current statutory provision and should be of interest to those working in public libraries or those researching the area.Originality/valueProvides a reflective analysis of a current issue of importance in UK public libraries.

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Tài liệu tham khảo

Bakewell, J. (2009), “Resist the cultural vandalism – don't let them close our precious libraries”, The Times, 20 February, available at: www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/joan_bakewell/article5767579.ece (accessed 30 March).

Public Libraries and Museums Act (1964), available at: www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1964/cukpga_19640075_en_1 (accessed 30 March).

Rooney‐Browne, C. (2009), “Rising to the challenge: a look at the role of public libraries in times of recession”, Library Review, Vol. 58 No. 5, pp. 341‐52, available at: www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/00242530910961765

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