The public and mobile libraries group have constructed a presentation report on the advocacy for UK public libraries activities 2007-2017. The report includes an overview of political, professional and public advocacy campaigns and initiatives of the period. The piece covers an insight into the activities of the Chartered Institute of Library Information Professionals, the Society of Chief Librarians, British Library, the Government Libraries Taskforce, and a number of proactive individuals, including Public Library News, and was created primarily for international dissemination.
3. Context: UK Public Libraryās 2007
ā¢ Operating in relative isolation
ā¢ Massive inconsistencies
ā¢ Sporadic digital inclusion initiatives
ā¢ Lack of engagement with ePublishing
ā¢ Biennial Public Library User Survey (PLUS) ā since 1993
ā¢ Entrenched patterns of working, with rigid hierarchy and very
prescribed job roles
ā¢ Kodak, Blockbuster and Borders
www.publiclibrariesnews.com/useful/statistics
4. Context: The Changing Face of UK Public Libraries
ā¢ Significant disruptive technologies available in 2007, but libraries slow
to adopt/react
ā¢ Throughout the decade technological disruptions became increasingly
felt: Self-service; eBooks etc; Collection Management Software
ā¢ Publishers were slow to get on-board with e-lending
ā¢ For every Ā£1 in central government grant to councils in 2010 they got
67p in 2015
ā¢ Budgetary drivers for change obscured other valid reasons for change
www.publiclibrariesnews.com/useful/statistics
http://speakupforlibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Speak_up_libraries_LOBBYPACK_Nov14.pdf
5. Context: The Changing Face of UK Public Libraries
ā¢ Professor Hank Lucas, School of Business, University of Maryland
ā¢ Primary inhibiting factors that cause businesses to fail in the face of disruptive technologies:
ā¢ Denial ļ āthis will not affect usā
ā¢ History ļ āwe have always donāt it this wayā
ā¢ Resistance to Change ļ āI donāt want toā
ā¢ Mind-set ļ ābut this is not what we doā
ā¢ Brand ļ ābut this is not what WEĀ® doā
ā¢ Sunk Costs ļ āwe are too financially invested in the traditional waysā
ā¢ Profitability ļ āwe still have lots of customersā¦ why change?ā
ā¢ Lack of imagination ļ āthere really is no other way for us to workā
Lucas, H. C. The Search for Survival: Lessons from disruptive technologies. ABC-CLIO, 2012, p12
6. Between 2010 - 2017
ā¢ 400+ libraries closed
ā¢ Including 140+ mobile library services
ā¢ A further 200+ removed from council service
ā¢ 16,000+ additional volunteers recruited
ā¢ Nearly 10,000 library jobs cut (nearly a third of the work force)
ā¢ Unpaid staff posts now outnumber paid staff posts 3:2
The Changing Face of UK Public Libraries: Cuts
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35707956
7. Context: Government Spending Comparisons
Ā£ Million
Total UK Public Library Spending (not including capital) 2009/10* 770
Total UK Public Library Spending (not including capital) 2014/15* 629
% Reduction 18.311688
(* source - CIPFA) % Reduction adjusted for inflation 29.34
(Inflation calculated using Bank of England
figures)
Ā£ Million
Total UK Academic Library Spending (not including capital)
2009/10** 580
Total UK Academic Library Spending (not including capital)
2014/15** 634
% Growth 8.52
(** source - LISU Database) % Gain adjusted for inflation 5.44
(Inflation calculated using Bank of England
figures)
8. Context: Government Spending Comparisons
Ā£ Million
NHS Annual Budget for 2014/15*** 117.5
UK Welfare Budget for 2014/15*** 221.8
How much of the NHS does a whole year of the UK library budget get 46 hours
How much Social Welfare does a whole year of the UK library budget get
you? <1 Day
Ā£'s
Total NHS spending per capita for 2014/15 Ā£2,057.00
Total Welfare spending per capita for 2014/15 Ā£3,439.69
Total Library spending per capita for 2014/15 Ā£9.57
(*** source - HM Government 2014/15 Spending
Review)
9. Context: UK Public Libraryās Today
ā¢ Latest statistics (2015-2016) Reveal:
ā¢ 177 million books loaned
ā¢ 211 million visits to libraries in England
ā¢ More than the total attendance at English
Premier League football matches, cinema
admissions in England and the top 10 UK
tourist attractions combined
www.gov.uk/government/publications/annual-report-to-parliament-on-public-
library-activities-during-2016
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35707956
ā¢ Elizabeth Elford, SCL, āI think inevitably there will be fewer public libraries when
we come out the other side; but they will be better and more innovativeā
10. ā¢ 2010 Equality Act
o Section 149: Public Sector Equality Duty
ā¢ 1998 Human Rights Act (incorporates European Convention on Human Rights)
o Article 8: Right to respect for private and family life
o Article 10: Right to freedom of expression and information
o Article 14: Prohibition of Discrimination
ā¢ Public Lending Right
ā¢ Copyright
www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1964/75
Context: Libraries Protected by Law
11. ā¢ UK Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964
oLocal Authorities must provide a comprehensive and efficient library
service for all people that wish to use it.
oThey must promote the service
oThey must lend books and printed material free of charge to those who
live, work or study in the area.
oThe secretary of state has a duty under the act to superintend and
promote the improvement of public library services, to inspect public
library services and if necessary intervene and take the provision of the
public library service under the control of the Secretary of State
www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1964/75
Context: Libraries Protected by Law
13. ā¢ DCMS Select Committee began an enquiry into library closures in 2010
ā¢ The resultant 2012 report revealed:
ā¢ mismanaged cuts were a failure to meet statutory obligations and devolution of
libraries to community groups represented closures by stealth
ā¢ Scope for more coordination and cooperation between authorities
ā¢ John Whittingdale MP āThe current landscape may appear to bode ill for public
libraries, but during this enquiry we saw many examples of innovative thinking
about what libraries can offer and a number of new models about how these
services can be provided [ā¦] but they are not widespreadā
ā¢ Directly resulted in the commissioning of a report on the cumulative affects of library
closures
Internal Political Advocacy
www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/culture-
media-and-sport-committee/inquiries/parliament-2010/library-closures/
14. ā¢ William Sieghart CBE, British entrepreneur and founder of Foreword Prizes
for poetry wrote an Independent Review of e-Lending in Public Libraries in
England 2013
Internal Political Advocacy: Sieghart Review
www.gov.uk/government/publications/an-independent-review-of-e-lending-in-public-libraries-in-england
www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-library-report-for-england
ā¢ Commissioned by DCMS ā Independent Library Report for
England
ā¢ Took 7 months.
ā¢ Consulted numerous stakeholders including: professional
bodies, unions, library authorities, publishers and
authors; and high profile individual library advocates
15. ā¢ Report released Dec 2014:
ā¢ Three Major Recommendations
ā¢ Provision of a national digital resource for libraries
ā¢ The setting up of a task and finish force [ā¦] to provide a
strategic framework for [libraries] in England
Internal Political Advocacy: Sieghart Review
* www.gov.uk/government/publications/an-independent-review-of-e-lending-in-public-libraries-in-england
www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-library-report-for-england
www.cilip.org.uk/cilip/news/sieghart-report-public-libraries-convincing-roadmap
ā¢ Task force to help local authorities improve, revitalise, and if necessary, change their
local library service, while encouraging, appropriate to each library, increased
community involvement
ā¢ CILIP: āConvincing Roadmapā
ā¢ āThe library does more than simply loan books. It underpins every community. It is not just a
place for self-improvement, but the supplier of an infrastructure for life and learningā*
16. ā¢ Ā£2.6million awarded to 68 authorities (approximately 1,000 locations)
enabling 99.3% of static UK libraries to be equipped with Wi-Fi
ā¢ Libraries Opportunity for Everyone Innovation Fund Ā£4million
ā¢ Publishing core datasets, collecting images and case studies
ā¢ Creation of online Toolkits: Community Libraries Best Practice; Alternative
Delivery Models; Libraries Shaping the Future Toolkit
ā¢ Running workshops and masterclasses
Internal Political Advocacy: Libraries Taskforce
www.gov.uk/government/groups/libraries-taskforce
18. ā¢ 7 Outcomes:
ā Outcome 1: Cultural and Creative Enrichment ā Outcome 2: Increased Reading and
Literacy ā Outcome 3: Increased Digital Access and Literacy ā Outcome 4: Helping
Everyone Achieve their Full Potential ā Outcome 5: Healthier and Happier Lives
ā Outcome 6: Greater Prosperity ā Outcome 7: Stronger More Resilient Communities
ā¢ Draws from current best practice examples
ā¢ Criticised for presenting ideals without strategies for achieving them
ā¢ Advocates for joined-up working
Internal Political Advocacy: Ambition
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/libraries-deliver-ambition-for-public-
libraries-in-england-2016-to-2021/libraries-deliver-ambition-for-public-libraries-in-englan
d-2016-to-2021
19. ā¢ House of Lords debates - John Bird
ā¢ All Party Parliamentary Group launched 2014
(re-launched 2016)
ā¢ 16 Feb 2017 Government extends the Public
Lending Right Act 1979 to include remote
e-lending from public libraries in the UK
ā¢ Individual elected members across UK councils
have stood up for libraries (with mixed results)
Internal Political Advocacy
http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-
select/culture-media-and-sport-committee/inquiries/parliament-2010/library-closures/
20. External Political Advocacy
ā¢ Representatives from professional bodies (CILIP, SCL, British Library) on panels
and contributing to consultations
ā¢ Unison: 2008 āTaking Stock: The Future of Our Public Library Serviceā; 2014 āThe
Public Library Service Under Attackā; February 2016 public lobby parliament
ā¢ 2010-2012 Community Libraries Panel: organised by CILIP to specifically address
membersā concerns about individual authorityās proposals
www.unison.org.uk/content/uploads/2013/06/On-line-Catalogue173013.pdf
www.unison.org.uk/content/uploads/2013/06/On-line-Catalogue215893.pdf
21. External Political Advocacy
ā¢ National Library Rally 2012 ā Organised
by Speak up for Libraries
ā¢ Estimated 300-400 people
ā¢ Individual library sit-ins and protests
ā¢ National Demonstration 2016
ā¢ 2,500 people approximately
ā¢ From the British Library to Trafalgar
Square
Photo: @SaveSwinLibrary
24. ā¢ People focused advocacy
ā¢ Big picture rather than individual cases
ā¢ Professional bodies providing support for sector
ā¢ Professional bodies contributing to consultations
ā¢ Professional bodies representing libraries and librarians at a national level
Professional Advocacy
25. ā¢ British Library has stepped-up
ā¢ Re-focus on the library resource network
ā¢ Business & Intellectual Property Centres
ā¢ Involved in consultations etc
ā¢ British Library 2020 Vision
ā¢ āthe British Library will be an enabling force in the global networked environment
of users, libraries, archives, research institutions and information providers from
the public and private sectorsā
ā¢ Roly Keating Chief Executive BL on Libraries Taskforce
Professional Advocacy: The British Library
www.bl.uk/welcome/librarians.html
www.bl.uk/aboutus/stratpolprog/2020vision/2020visioncompleteA3.pdf
26. āAttitude matters, so develop a good one.
Create a winnerās mentalityā
Stephen Fear, British Libraryās Entrepreneur in Residence 2012-2016
Professional Advocacy: The British Library
www.feargroup.com
27. Professional Advocacy: CILIP
Participation in Public Consultations
ā¢ Community Libraries Panel (2009 ā 2011)
o 37 separate Library Authority proposals reviewed by Panel,
addressing questions or submissions to each one individually.
ā¢ DCMS Select Committee on Library Closures (2011)
o Submission made to Committee by CILIP Board, with input
from Community Libraries Panel, SIGās and Groups
28. Professional Advocacy: CILIP
Participation in Public Consultations
ā¢ DCMS Consultation Paper on Public Lending Right (2012)
o CILIP responded to the proposal to close the Office of the
Registrar of PLR, concerned about the potential loss of trusted
and expert staff in the field.
ā¢ Sieghart Review of Public Libraries (2014)
o CILIP participated in the Sieghart Review through both written
submissions and personal presentations to the panel
29. Professional Advocacy: CILIP
Independent initiatives
ā¢ Report: Professional Standards of Service in Public
Libraries (2008)
oExamined 10 Library Authorities which had undergone
restructuring or reduction
ā¢ CILIP Survey of Public Library Authorities, 2012
oOf respondents, 72% reducing costs; 60% reducing staff;
80% reducing opening hours
ā¢ All Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries 2014 - present
oCILIP provides secretariat and organises activities, including
library visits, briefings and publishing APPG reports
ā¢ My Library By Right
www.cilip.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2008_prof%20standards%20of%20service.pdf
www.cilip.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/CILIP_Public_Library_Survey_Summary_Report
_A_Changing_Landscape_2012-13_0.pdf
30. Professional Advocacy: My Library By Right
ā¢ Sept 2015: CILIP Secures free legal advice from celebrated Human
Rights Barrister Eric Metcalfe
ā¢ Oct 2015: CILIP Board approves a law-based advocacy campaign to
re-assert the statutory right to a quality library service
ā¢ Dec 2015: My Library by Right Campaign launches
ā¢ Jan 2016: Media engagement and campaign profile
ā¢ May 2016: āPledgeā campaign for local politicians
ā¢ Nov 2016: Re-launch of Libraries All-Party Group
http://mylibrarybyright.org.uk/
32. ā¢ Online Petition
ā¢ Key Facts
ā¢ Your Rights Explained
ā¢ Posters
ā¢ Twitter Badges
My Library By Right: Campaign Materials
http://mylibrarybyright.org.uk/
33. ā¢ Society of Chief Librarians
ā¢ SCL Universal Offers
ā¢ 2013: Health, Reading, Digital and Information
ā¢ 2015: Learning
ā¢ Created the SCL Learning Pool: http://scl.learningpool.com/
ā¢ SCL also contributed to:
ā¢ DCMS Select Committee on Library Closures (2011)
ā¢ DCMS Consultation Paper on Public Lending Right (2012)
ā¢ Sieghart Review of Public Libraries (2014)
ā¢ Created themed initiatives with partners linked to the Offers
Professional Advocacy: Society of Chief Librarians
34. Professional Advocacy: Society of Chief Librarians
ā¢ Health Offer:
ā¢ A strategy to express the contribution of public libraries to positive health and
wellbeing of communities. Initiative: Books on Prescription with Reading Agency
ā¢ Digital Offer:
ā¢ Recognises that digital services and skills underpins the 21st Century library
service. Initiative: The Single Sign-On Pilot with JISC and LMS providers.
ā¢ Information Offer:
ā¢ The focus of the offer is on librariesā role in supporting access to information and
services online in life-critical areas such as careers and job seeking; health,
personal financial information and benefits. Initiative: Information4Living
36. Public Advocacy
ā¢ Sit-ins and banner waving has low success rate
ā¢ Petitions have equally low impact
ā¢ Example: 1472 signatures, but 75 regular users, library closed 6 months after
first being put under threat
ā¢ Butā¦ community engagement is the life blood of public libraries
37. ā¢ Established 2012
ā¢ Coalition of organisations and campaigners working to protect libraries
and library staff, includes: Campaign for the Book; CILIP; The Library
Campaign; Voices for the Library; Unison
Speak up for Libraries
ā¢ Annual conference
ā¢ Organise protest marches
ā¢ Website with linked resources, including a
lobbying pack with template letters
ā¢ Strong social media presence
39. Protest
ā¢ Frequent first reaction
ā¢ 2011 newspaper article prompted initial protest
ā¢ Friends of Denby Dale Library formed on National Libraries
Day, 2012
ā¢ Defined by negatives
ā¢ Did not initially offer any alternative ā created a petition
against the removal of paid staff from the library
ā¢ Confrontation often provokes a defensive mind-set ā
Council initially found it difficult to engage
40. Persuasion
ā¢ A move towards open conversation ā acknowledging position of both
perspectives
ā¢ 2013 Denby Dale Community Project formed to raise funds to establish a
new library embodying alternative delivery models
ā¢ Key moment was acknowledgement by Council that the new library would
continue to be part of network and still have professional staff
ā¢ Respected advocates join the causeā¦
ā¢ Local Councillor Jim Dodds chairs āparallel groupā looking
at alternatives involving local community support
41. ā¢ Professional guidance enabled
ā¢ DDCP established:
oVolunteer work force
oUndertook an agreed training programme
oIndependent fundraising
oEngaged with local business to support construction of a new library
oCreated a website: www.ddcp.org/
oA blog: https://foddlib.wordpress.com/ā
oAnd a Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/theddcp/ and Twitter
@DenbyDaleCP
Participation
43. The Picture Now
ā¢ Denby Dale Community Partnership (DDCP) registered as a community
enterprise with charitable status.
ā¢ Denby Dale is still a part of the Library Authority with:
oBook fund provided stock
oLibrary Service IT facilities
oFull access to catalogue including online subscription services
oStarted looking for business partners to co-locate
ā¢ AND led by a professional paid member of staff
44. The Picture Now
ā¢ Opening hours increased from 25 to 43 a week.
ā¢ Exciting new programme of events and activities
ā¢ 558 Issues in the first 3 days of opening
ā¢ All despite a substantial reduction in costs for the
Council
45. Lessons
ā¢ Open dialogues rather than confrontations
ā¢ It does not work everywhereā¦
ā¢ Relies on established community engagement
ā¢ Volunteer success relies on strong
professional guidance
ā¢ Finding funds always challenging
48. ā¢ The Society of Authors ā āsupport national and local campaigns to
save libraries threatened by funding cutsā
ā¢ Alan Gibbons ā credited with instigating National Libraries Day and
āCampaign for the Bookā
ā¢ Dolly Parton ā Imagination Library
www.societyofauthors.org/Where-We-Stand/Libraries
Celebrity Endorsement: The Power of Positive Backing
49. ā¢ David Almond
ā¢ Philip Ardagh
ā¢ Julian Barnes
ā¢ Alan Bennett
ā¢ Eric Chappell
ā¢ Martina Cole
ā¢ John Connelly
Celebrity Endorsement: Authors
ā¢ Colin Dexter
ā¢ Julia Donaldson
ā¢ Margaret Drabble
ā¢ Anne Fine
ā¢ Neil Gaiman
ā¢ Maggie Gee
ā¢ Alan Gibbons
ā¢ Debi Gliori
ā¢ Christopher Gray
ā¢ Lee Hall
ā¢ Tony Hawkes
ā¢ Val McDermid
ā¢ Ken McLeod
ā¢ Debborah Moggach
50. Celebrity Endorsement: Authors
ā¢ Terry Pratchett
ā¢ Philip Pullman
ā¢ Bali Rai
ā¢ Michael Rosen
ā¢ J. K. Rowling
ā¢ Oliver Sacks
ā¢ Zadie Smith
ā¢ Michael Moore
ā¢ Michael Morpurgo
ā¢ David Nicholls
ā¢ John OāFarrell
ā¢ Tim Pears
ā¢ Gervase Phinn
ā¢ Charles Stross
ā¢ Barbara Trapido
ā¢ Minette Walters
ā¢ Irvine Welsh
ā¢ Jacqueline Wilson
ā¢ Jeanette Winterson
51. Celebrity Endorsement: On Social Media
ā¢ Chris Riddell
ā¢ Author and Illustrator
ā¢ Illustrates Quotes
ā¢ Advocating for libraries
ā¢ ā¦ and Librarians
ā¢ ā¦and posts the on
social media
52. ā¢ BBC reported on Simon Callow donating 1000 of his own books to libraries
ā¢ Times newspaper reported on BAFTA winning actress Prunella Scales
signing petition against library closure
ā¢ Independent newspaper reported on Elbow singer, Guy Garveyās
contributions to Radio 6 Libraries Celebration week
ā¢ Comedians Alexei Sayle, Phil Jupitus, Robin Ince, Helen Arny and Robyn
Hitchcock gained various media attention through their āStand Up for
Librariesā fundraiser performance.
Celebrity Endorsement: Local and National Media
Attention
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-16305457
www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/make-more-elbow-room-for-the-
nations-libraries-says-guy-garvey-9849304.html
www.savekensalriselibrary.org/2011/08/02/mon-17th-oct-stand-up-for-libraries-comedy-
with-phil-jupitus-robin-ince-helen-arney-robyn-hitchcock/
53. āwithout libraries and
librarians we are less human
and more profoundly aloneā
Nicola Davies, Childrenās Author
Celebrity Endorsement: Local and National Media
Attention
www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/2017/mar/02/without-libraries-and-
librarians-we-are-less-human-and-more-profoundly-alone
54. ā¢ Celebrity Endorsement helps to raise public awareness
ā¢ Evokes positive emotion
ā¢ Positive association
ā¢ Sense of solidarity
ā¢ IT IS NOT A CAMPAIGN ONLY A TOOL:
Celebrity + Good argument = Improved chance of success
Celebrity + No Good argument = Still unlikely to succeed
Celebrity Endorsement: The Benefits
56. ā¢ Environmental Waste
ā¢ Travel Cards/ Concessionary Travel / Disabled Parking
ā¢ Tourist Information
ā¢ Councillor and MP Surgeries
ā¢ Business Support Services (business licensing and information)
ā¢ Cash payments for council services
ā¢ Probation Services
New Models: Gateway to Government Services
www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/NEWS/15126295.Tourist_centres_to_m
erge_with_library_service_in_bid_to_save___200_000/
57. New Models: Gateway to Government Services
ā¢ Signposting government services: Childrenās Centres, Youth Centres, Schools
ā¢ Support for refugees, asylum seekers and other immigrants
ā¢ Digital by Default : Online Access to Government Services
ā¢ Health Services (Books on Prescription)
ā¢ Services for Carers
58. New Models: More Stakeholders
ā¢ External funders (Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund, EU)
ā¢ Government direct partnerships, e.g. NHS, Home Office
ā¢ Bookstart
ā¢ The Reading Agency
ā¢ Third sector outreach
o University of the Third Age; Age UK;
Alzheimerās Society; Autism GB; Job Centre
Plus; Citizenās Advice Bureau;
59. ā¢ Amazon Lockers
ā¢ Photo-Me Booths
ā¢ Postage stamps
ā¢ Book Tokens
ā¢ Booking Office
ā¢ Space rental (Exhibition space, meeting
rooms, office spaces, event halls)
ā¢ Commissioned Sales
New Models: New Income Streams
60. ā¢ Registered UK Charities
ā¢ Third sector organisations
ā¢ Other Council Services
ā¢ Commercial
ā¢ Example: Millennium Library
New Models: Co-Location
61. ā¢ Trust Status
ā¢ Most operate with continued Local Authority funding
ā¢ Public Service Mutual
ā¢ Most operate with continued Local Authority funding
ā¢ Social Enterprise (Charitable or PLC)
ā¢ Charitable social enterprises can access funds that PLCās cannot
ā¢ Privately Owned (Outsourced)
ā¢ One privately operated library service boasts the highest percentage cut in paid
staff in the UK: 63.5% of staff made redundant
ā¢ Joint Venture
ā¢ Combination of public sector and private provider ownership
Alternative Governance Models
64. ā¢ Individual (Ian Anstice) with no prior experience of blogging
ā¢ www.publiclibrariesnews.com
ā¢ Providing information that no-one else was collating ā earned a mention
in the House of Commons within three months
ā¢ Never promoted, people found PLN themselves, including national and
international media
ā¢ Receives weekly enquiries
ā¢ Started as a protest moved into more balances resource listing investment
and innovation items as well as closure and cut stories
Public Library News
65. ā¢ Twitter: @publiclibnews ā subsequent thread
ā¢ @publiclibnews more than twice as many readers as the blog
ā¢ The Government Department for Culture Media and Sport and
the Libraries Taskforce use this information resource
ā¢ Not tied to a political party
ā¢ Avoids jargon
ā¢ Connects at all levels
ā¢ āOne-man bandā with occasional support from specialists i.e.
Web Developers
ā¢ 2-4 hours on at least 4 evenings a week
Public Library News
67. Libraries Hacked
-
ā¢ Dave Rowe
ā¢ @LibrariesHacked
ā¢ 989 Followers
ā¢ 1,888 Tweets
ā¢ Progressive ideas:
ā¢ Open Data
ā¢ New technologies
68. Nick Poole
-
ā¢ CEO of CILIP
ā¢ @NickPoole1
ā¢ 8,244 Twitter Followers
ā¢ 18.9k Tweets
ā¢ Spotlights latest
developments
ā¢ Engages in political debate
69. Other Notable Individuals
ā¢ Laura Swaffield @lswaffield1 ā Public Library Activist ā 384 Followers
ā¢ Lauren Smith @walkyouhome ā Politically engaged Researcher ā 4,189 followers
ā¢ Phil Bradley @Philbradley ā Librarian and internet consultant ā 17.5k followers
ā¢ Stella Duffy @StellDuffy ā Innovator behind Fun Palaces - 22k followers
ā¢ Eli Neiburger @ulotrichous ā Self-proclaimed, geek, dad, librarian ā 3,098 followers
ā¢ Sarah Houghton @TheLib ā Library Director, author, speaker, iconoclast ā 16.2k followers
ā¢ Sara Wingate Gray and Sarah Lomax @artefactors ā Collections + Technology x
Ideas = artefactors ā 280 followers.
ā¢ Library customers and users have the power to change the narrative too. Just look
at United Airlines!
70. Defend the 10
-
ā¢ Lambeth, London
ā¢ http://defendthe10-
lambeth.org.uk/
ā¢ @DefendtheTen
ā¢ 2,976 Twitter Followers
ā¢ 12.4k Tweets
71. The Library Campaign
-
ā¢ Independent registered charity
ā¢ National
ā¢ Set up in 1984
ā¢ www.librarycampaign.com
@LibraryCampaign
ā¢ 5,540 Twitter Followers
ā¢ 20.4k Tweets
73. ā¢ Know and understand your context
ā¢ Extend advocacy to all issues affecting the sector from author to
publisher to reader and everything in between.
ā¢ Open dialogues
ā¢ Donāt just make noise, actually say something!
ā¢ Try to be a part of every conversation affecting your activities
ā¢ Engage with all stakeholders
Closing Remarks
74. ā¢ Professor Hank Lucas: How would your library score?
ā¢ Libraries steeped in history, but our secret weapon is that we are
meeting our future head-on and we do not lack imagination.
ā¢ Evolve the business model
ā¢ If we had known 10 years ago what we know now, maybe 300+ more
libraries would still be openā¦
Closing Remarks
75. Jon Davis and Jacqueline Widdowson
PMLGAccess@gmail.com
Editor's Notes
Jon
Jon:
Libraries delivered by 171 different authorities (Now 149)
Internet widely accepted part of life in UK, but no national policy
Jacquie:
Technology was outpacing policyā¦
Librarians traditionally enforcers of Copyright ā
but since e-lending copyright not properly addressed at first, publishers feared loss of income
Period characterised by significant funding challenges
But this should not obscure the fact that there was need for change anway!
Jacquie:
Jon:
And this is what happens if donāt evolve with changeā¦
Removed can (in the worst cases) mean unmanaged, haphazard collection ā arguably not a library at all
Jon:
Jon:
Total National Health Service spending throughout UK
Combined budgets of national and local welfare spending, NOT including cash benefits and pensions
Libraries can make a huge contribution to the health, wellbeing and social welfare of its customers
At ā¬10 per person, per year, they represent outstanding value for money
Jacquie: (20 mins)
Despite these figuresā huge and important role in UK national lifeā¦
Elford āPublic Libraries Advocacy Managerā since September 2008
Jon:
Section 149: Imposes a duty on public bodies to have due regard to the equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not share it.
Article 8: If a personās private life extends to their enjoyment of a public service, it follows that arbitrary cuts to those services are interference with the rights of users.
Article 10: Implicit in this right is the freedom to access information. Arbitrary cuts in library service are likely to interfere with this.
Article 14: Any cuts in library services are likely to have a disproportionate impact on minority groups and could be seen as discrimination.
Jon:
Successive Secretaries of State largely inert ā aware that their Governmentās fiscal policy is root cause
Fomer Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt ā never set foot in a public library and couldnāt imagine a circumstance in which heād ever need to
No direct French equivalent, but a requirement for public libraries can be implied within existing rules governing Equality of Opportunity, Book Pricing, Public Lending Right, the BnF and the Catalogue Collectif de France
Jacquie:
So that is the situation, how do we instigate the necessary changes in policy to secure our libraries for the future: through advocacy
3 different forms of Advocacy:
Political ā by and directed at elected officials (at national and local levels)
Professional ā by and on behalf of sector professionals
Public ā by and on behalf of the end user of library services
Within Political advocacy realm we differentiate between internal and external political advocacy:
Internal ā The activities of elected officials
External ā Approaches to elected officials by outsider parties
Jon:
Jacquie:
Political recognition
Jacquie:
Single Online Presence
Consistent digital provision, including Wi-Fi
Also, in itself, an advocacy document ā timely reminder that library not just a room full of books
Jacquie:
First thing was - Wi-Fi
More recently funding innovation
And Starting to provide infrastructure supportā¦
Jacquie:
December 2016: Libraries Deliver: Ambition for Public Libraries in England 2016 - 2021
Jacquie:
Created in consultation with SCL (Universal Offfers), CILIP (tied in with their Strategic Plan 2016 - 2020)
Criticised for not having clearly defined āLibrary Standardsā ā ācomprehensive and efficientā
Taskforce regularly gets representatives from different groups sat around the same table
Jon: (40 minutes)
Big Issue is the Worldās most widely circulated newspaper
The issue of Library closures has never had a floor debate in the House of Commons
Even in authorities where major cuts proposed there have been voices in opposition, but not all successful (Example later)
Mixed results ā dependent on multitude of factors such as funding and other supporters
Jon:
First bullet point elaborated on more in Professional Advocacy section
Unison, early advocacy document in the timeline, extensive report used to underpin attempts to influence political processes
Unison themselves do not ālobbyā they instigate
More on Community Libraries Panel in Professional Advocacy Section
Jacquie:
And of courseā¦ the good old demonstration [placards]
Impossible to mention all the hundreds of local instances of demonstrations
Jacquie:
Involved all cultural sector institutions included in 1964 Act
Despite a strong turn-out, very limited impact
Made the news ā just, but was soon forgotten
Jacquie
Now a look at the second of our three forms of advocacy
Jon:
Unlike the Political Advocacy examples, Professional Advocacy focuses on the workforce
Many public campaigns focus on buildings
Professional bodies evolving approach to advocacy, has resulted, in a movement from invigilation and observation to more proactive/positive guidance and support role
Jacquie:
2020 vision published 2010
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Jacquie:
A strong figure in British Library advocacy has been Stephen Fear, known as the phone box millionaire, this entrepreneur who now heads more than 70 companies, started his first business over 40 years ago in a public phone box on a council estate in Bristol.
His oft-quoted sentiment resonates with the struggles of the sector.
Jon
Community Libraries Panel made up of 12 CILIP members nominated by relevant SIGās
Intended to review the proposals for cuts and changes put forward by several library authorities
Wound up in 2011 when it became clear that almost ALL library authorities would come within its purview
Select committee submission originally written by very knowledgeable individual ā re-written by members, partly to be more emotive, but mainly so as to be understood by politicians who donāt have specialist sector knowledge
Jon ā I could go on, as there have been many more, but the lesson is that if you are to adequately represent your profession, you have to be present everywhere your sector is being discussed.
Jon:
Jacquie: (50 mins)
First major step was groundwork for the campaign: Pro bono consultation with enormously respected and celebrated Human Rights Barrister (an Avocat) Eric Metcalfe seeking legal advise on what constituted unlawful neglect of the 1964 Public Libraries Act.
Jacquie:
The campaign itself was focused on 5 ātargetsā:
Aims to hold the national Government, and specifically the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, accountable for their legal responsibilities for public libraries
Empowering library campaigners with the legal argument for statutory provision
Jacquie
Nearly, 15,000 signatories (10,000 for official response; 100,000 for debate in Commons
Jon:
In response to Local Government changes, SCL formed in 1996 from bodies representing disparate regional and structural professionals to provide a single voice for library leadership in the UK
SCL began to identify itself as the leading voice for Public Libraries in 2010 around the time of the announcement of the abolition of the Museums Libraries and Archives Council, whose duties were to be absorbed into the existing Arts Council
Their belief was that this would lead to a vacuum in the promotion of improvements and innovation in Public Libraries
Began working closely with the Arts Council and other partners to shape the future of library provision
Jon:
Reading Well Books on Prescription helps you to understand and manage your health and well-being using self-help reading. The scheme is endorsed by health professionals and delivered by public libraries. Books on Prescription is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with the Society of Chief Librarians as part of the Universal Health Offer
(Jisc ā Joint Information Systems Committee, not-for-profit company supporting higher and continued education in UK, through information, digital resources and network and technology services)
Digital Sign-On Pilot being trialled by 16 Library Authorities, aims to provide a national single sign on to e-resources on library websites to improve customer experience and increase the usage of e-resources provided by library services.
Driving force behind the Information Offer is ādigital-by-default,ā the UK Government policy of channel-shift; the migration of as many government services as possible onto an online platform, including access to benefits, welfare, health and financial services
Jacquie
The third advocacy form is public advocacy
Wave banners!
For example itās Important to acknowledge the difference that the voice of library users can make to a campaign
Jacquie:
Jacquie:
More co-ordinated and targeted public campaigns, however, can have real impact
If disparate library campaigners can unite together with a single voice their impact is immeasurably greaterā¦
All of these activities probably not so possible for the individual parties involved
Jon: (60 minutes)
Having looked at the three forms of advocacy now going to tell you a story about a local campaign which combined various approachesā¦
History:
Small library in village of only 5,000 people
Housed in a an old pre-fabricated building in desperate need of replacement, although it was still quite popular
Jon:
Protests are usually against something not for anything
These protesters included Biddy Fisher, local resident and former President of CILIP ā so perhaps had more impact than similar protests elsewhere
Jon:
A series of consultations and open meetings were held at which different perspectives were examined
Biddy Fisherās prime objective was to retain professional staffing of a library in Denby Dale. Once it became clear that the reduced cost to the Council of operating a library in partnership with the community project would make that possible, she joined DDCP, eventually becoming a Trustee.
The success of other established community partnerships in the council also helped.
Jon:
Once there was agreement on a common purpose, professional Library staff were able to support the project and provide guidance
A total of 33 volunteers have come forward and worked with Library staff, undergoing dedicated training courses
In all Denby Dale Community Project raised Ā£240,000 in funds through volunteers and support from a wide range of donors and local business supporters.
Jon: (70 minutes)
Denby Dale is a relatively affluent, cohesive and socially active community. These kind of initiatives are much harder in more deprived areas
The nature and quality of the people who came forward to run the project was terrific ā and wonāt be repeated everywhere
Existing local community organisations contributed most of the money
Jacquie:
One of the turning points for Denby Dale was having powerful individuals making strong arguments
There have been many notable celebrities who have figure-headed library campaigns
Jacquie:
Jacquie
Dolly Parton Imagination Library, provides funds, resources and most importantly international recognition for the importance of literacy and libraries
Jacquie:
Anne Fine
Jacquie
Jacquie
As well as lending their names to campaigns some authors more actively participate in library campaigning
Many of whom do so on social media
Examples of which are too numberous to go into hereā¦
Howeverā¦
Jon:
Celebrity endorsement adds value ā because their reach is exponentially greater.
Jon
National Guardian newspaper ā 2nd March
Went viral (social media, bbc website etc)
Jacquie:
Jon: (75 minutes)
In previous sections we have reiterated the idea that advocacy can be transformative as well as informative
This section looks at some of the ways that advocacy has led to public libraries in the UK evolving new and often better ways of working
Jon:
Front door to Local council services
Positive brand association: ask 10 peopleā¦
Jon:
And front door to signposting National government servicesā¦
Jon
Both the Libraries Taskforce Ambition document and the professional advocates discussed promote partnership working:
Iāve mentioned signposting but in actual fact libraries have actually become service providers for things such as bibliotherapy and the expert patient programme, (NHS,) English and Citizenship classes for Asylum seekers, (Home Office.)
Partnerships work both ways ā we are able to host Third sector organisations, providing them with room spaces, materials and an appreciative audience, whilst we are able to extend our offer to customers
Jon
Acknowledge that social enterprise is still part of a wider serviceā¦ (i.e. Denby Dale)
Wholly volunteer run library not library so not relevant
Jacquie (90 minutes)
We have discussed political, professional and public advocacy types, looked at case studies and the power of celebrity and unified approaches. Our final topic spans all that has gone before it: as we explore the ways even a single individual with a computer can make a differenceā¦
Jacquie
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Jacquie
Jon previously mentioned Jeremy Huntās infamous radio interview, Nick Poole used the Twitter forum to challenge him on it ā having a very public conversation about whether Hunt actually had fulfilled his legal duties as Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport.
Jon: Other notable twitter-based advocates include . . .
Jon ā 10 libraries in Lambeth subject to closure proposals.
Campaign gained traction by using Twitter
Jon ā website & blog, and a large number of followers on social media, despite the fact that it has no physical premises ā it exists only online.
Jon: (105 mins)
So what would we most like you to take home from our experiences of advocacy for libraries?