Empower, Inform, Enrich - The modernisation review of public libraries: A consultation
This consultation has now ended. The consultation period was 1 December 2009 - 26 January 2010.
On 1 December 2009 Margaret Hodge launched a two month consultation seeking the views of a wide range of people on the future of public libraries.
The public library service has a vital role in a democratic society. Libraries help to promote equality of opportunity and intellectual freedom and public libraries embody a commitment to open access to information and education for all.
Libraries contribute to a wide range of National and Local Government targets - improving literacy and early years education, community cohesion, learning and skills development, health and well being, digital inclusion, citizenship, business support and entrepreneurship
However, there are five significant challenges for the library service:
- How can the library service demonstrate to citizens, commentators and politicians that they are still relevant and vital?
- How can we reverse the current trend of decline in library usage and grow the numbers using their local library?
- How can all libraries respond to a 24/7 culture and respond to changing expectations of people who want immediate access to information.
- How can all libraries grasp the opportunities presented by digitisation?
- How can the library service cope with limited public resource and economic pressures?
The consultation questions set out in this document provide an opportunity for a comprehensive survey of views from as wide a range of people as possible including Local Authority Leaders, chief executives, people working in the Library Service, public and private partners, business interests as well as library users. We shall publish a policy statement in the spring which will set out the Government’s vision for the future of public libraries
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How to respond
This consultation has now ended. The consultation period was 1 December 2009 - 26 January 2010.
If you have queries about this consultation please contact:
DCMS Libraries & Archives Team
2-4 Cockspur St
London
SW1Y 5DH
Write to Reply
Write to reply commenting is closed although you can read comments on the write to reply website
A summary of responses will be published after the closing date (TBC).
Freedom of information
Please note all responses will be published, unless you ask us not do so. However, please note that all information in responses, including personal information, may be subject to publication or disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. If any correspondent requests confidentiality this cannot be guaranteed, and will only be possible if considered appropriate under the legislation.
For enquiries about the consultation (handling) process only please contact DCMS Public Engagement and Recognition Unit (PERU) at the above address or email enquiries@culture.gsi.gov.uk, heading your communication “Empower, Inform, Enrich - modernisation review of public libraries consultation”.
This consultation is guided by the Government’s Code of Practice on Consultation.
These documents are available online in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format.
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