Painswick library on front page of MI

The campaign to save Painswick Library is still going - the County has now given indications of support for a longer period. All good news...

Photo: cover of MI

When the threat first occurred I wrote a piece on this blog - this was picked up by the Editor of Managing Information magazine - a magazine that sells in over 70 countries looking at all things to do with information. This led to the editor coming to Painswick (see previous posts) and The April edition of Managing Information (which I have just received) carrying a feature on Painswick including the Gateway Project. MI are apparently keen to follow the story in future editions.

Let's hope this article and subsequent articles will be another way of galvinising support particularly from the County. The library is apparently the least used in Gloucestershire but it does have considerable support - and while the staff are great the building is in need of attention. It is clear where libraries are improved and made pleasant, usage increases. The Gateway project is a very positive way forward which looks at such improvements and widening the use of the building.

Photo: view of Painswick

I am concerned that already in some areas, although not Gloucestershire, there have been moves towards privatising library services. I don't want to see this being the first step.

The argument often goes that local councils are wasteful and inefficient, and therefore we need privatisation. In fact private companies who run library services give priority to the parts that make not only profit, but the most profit. Sometimes, in the short term in particular, it is quite possible that private companies run the service more efficiently, but private companies must make a profit – this is their raison d’etre, and this must be put above the wants and needs of the people in the local community. Thus, whilst local authorities might not run a good and efficient service (whatever it is that we mean by ‘efficient’ – but that gets us into another whole debate altogether), but at least it is possible for them to do this, as their main goal can be to satisfy the wants and needs of the people in the local community, if they should wish to do so.

Here's a great quote (sadly I can't find the author): “I like to think of our library as the civic ballroom of our community where citizens can practice that awkward dance of mutuality that is the very signature of a democratic culture.”

I welcome that the County has now given some reassurances over the future services, but it is clear that these commitments need to be extended and firmed up. Painswick is entitled to a properly funded locally-provided library service. More work is needed. As Tim Waterstone said:

"Libraries, at their best, are an extraordinary community resource, and a force for real good. They should be given every bit of the support and encouragement they need."