Divided we fall? The Presidential Debate
THE latest in this year’s series of CILIP Presidential Debates looks at how library services delivered on a local level fit in with a national agenda for public libraries. The online event was the second of four Presidential Debates that are being held throughout the year. The latest one featured author and journalist Kate Thompson, Libraries Connected Chief Executive Isobel Hunter, ACE Director for Libraries Sue Williamson (see p. 19 for more from Sue), and Professor Shelley Trower, Head of Department of the School of Humanities at the University of Roehampton. The debate, “Divided we fall: Are pub-
lic libraries a national network or a local service?”, brought together some of the leading voices in the public library sector – and each delivered their take on how local services can fit with a national network – albeit one that is not
formally connected. Isobel Hunter said: “I think it is more accurate to talk about an ecosystem than a network as that better conveys the complex relationships between individual libraries, funders, local authorities, their users, part- ners, central government and all the other beasts in the library world.” The UK’s library services are the way they are because of distinctions between national, local and regional government. They are connected, but distinct allowing for services to be adaptable to local needs. Kate Thompson, who appears in this issue’s Presidential Musings feature on p. 36, talked about how research for her book The Little Wartime Library, led her to a new understanding of libraries today and particularly, the work of librarians in light of the pandemic. Sue described libraries as “a combination
of national, regional and local networks” pointing out that they have huge potential
to deliver national agendas because they are “deeply rooted in communities” and “viewed as a safe and neutral space that has the capability to operate in that sphere that few other public services have”. Professor Trower led the AHRC-funded “Living Libraries” project which captured the voices of library workers, users and advocates as part of a living archive, now hosted at the British Library (
www.livinglib-
raries.uk/). The research focuses on five very different libraries, and she and colleagues spoke to staff and users about the different ways they meet community needs. All speakers talked about the huge value delivered by public libraries to their users and communities, as well as looking at the potential to deliver even more. The past 18 months has seen a clear demonstration of how libraries at the heart of community can have an even bigger impact in the future. You can watch the full debate again at
https://vimeo.com/571556079.
Autumn copyright training from Naomi Korn Associates in partnership with CILIP
Practical and authoritative training tailored to the needs of library, information and knowledge professionals.
Start your copyright journey with our Copyright Essentials course and excel into our Advanced Copyright training.
Advanced copyright delegate 2021
Copyright Essentials is perfect for those who need a good grounding in all copyright principles. Advanced Copyright is designed for those wanting to learn more about their role and responsibilities, how they can embed copyright compliance in their organisation and to get an update on all the latest copyright developments including post-Brexit.
Book
through the CILIP website
cilip.org.uk July-August 2021
Copyright Essentials – Online Two-Part Course Part One: 9 September 2021, 10am - 1pm l Part Two: 16 September 2021, 10am - 1pm.
Advanced Copyright – Online Two-Part Course Part One: 14 October 2021, 10am - 1pm l Part Two: 21 October 2021, 10am - 1pm.
Discounts for CILIP members. Book onto both sessions and receive a discount. INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 11
“ Very, very informative, helpful and interesting. A really good combination of presentations and practical work. Plenty of opportunity to ask questions and for discussion. Naomi is such a great presenter!”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
