Rebuilding the Public Library Service?

Abstract

Public libraries and public librarians are popular targets for criticisms, claim ing that they are both anti-books and anti-library users, and are interested only in the latest technical innovations, preferring computers and similar gad gets which, it is claimed, separate 'literate human beings' from old fashioned things like books'. Other criticisms focus on the adoption of commercial and populist values in the provision of library services and call for public libraries to return to traditional library services'. On the other hand, there is just as vociferous a lobby, both inside and outside the library profession, that sees the traditional public library as catering only to a middle class and literate minority and having little impact on the younger generation raised in the age of television and video. Public librarians are also called upon to cater for spe cific groups within society or those with special needs. Considers what might be regarded as the central functions of public libraries at the turn of the 20th century with particular reference to: the 1991 Out of Hours study of town cen tre decline; the Comedia study; and the Department of National Heritage's offi cial review of the UK public library service in England and Wales. Cites the mission statement for public libraries included in the latter report but points out that mission statements are only valuable if they can be translated into spe cific strategies. Concludes that the first step must be a concerted period of dis cussion within the library profession followed by a public relations exercise to mobilise public support.