NEWS
University press in ebook deal
MANCHESTER University Press (MUP) has joined 21 other university presses in De Gruyter’s University Press Library, an eBook distribution model with DRM-free and multi-user access.
MUP is the third university press from the United Kingdom to be added to the Univer- sity Press Library after Edinburgh University Press and Bristol University Press. Simon Ross, Chief Executive, Manchester University Press said: “It is important for us to work with people and organisations that share our purpose and values, so we are excited to start this partnership with De Gruyter to further extend our reach into university libraries worldwide.”
Art of democracy in Cambridgeshire
LIBRARY users in Cambridgeshire have been given the chance to choose which arts events will take place across the county’s libraries with online and in-person voting options. With 55 events in categories; music, theatre, art, dance, storytelling, comedy, puppetry and digital arts (some aimed at a younger audience) residents can make their choices online or in person in libraries. Another option was to attend an online choosing party.
The events which are chosen will take place this summer and autumn at libraries across the county. To see the programme visit
www.library.live/the-library-presents
Local health heroes
HEALTH librarians at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen, Shropshire won the hospital’s monthly Health Hero Award, according to the Border Counties Advertizer. The team was nominated by two MRI/ CT radiographers, Megan Evans and Jodie Rogers. Megan said: “The librarians are so kind and knowledgeable, and genuinely want to see you do well in whatever you’re studying.” Jodie adds: “No request is ever too much, and their advice is extremely helpful and much appreciated.”
10 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
LibraryOn Grants guide published
LIBRARY services have until the end of March to express an interest in grants to improve their online presence and discoverability as part of LibraryOn, the new national digi- tal platform. LibraryOn is being developed by the British Library with £3.4m of Arts Coun- cil England funding, £1.1m of which is being used to support a significant pro- portion of library services with individ- ual grants. LibraryOn expects to make between 20 and 50 awards of between £10,000 and £70,000 and said the programme aims “to improve the online presence of librar- ies through improvements made to local websites, digital offers and enhanced online discoverability. This will make it easier for existing or new users to find, access and engage with libraries. We also hope that the grants will support the overall digital capability of libraries through undertaking the grant activity, sharing learning and best practice.” It is hoped the money will fund a mix of projects. LibraryOn said these could include improving existing offers, as well as brand new initiatives, approaches and ideas. It said: “Applications could focus
on projects such as (but not limited to): l Creating a new standalone website to increase online visibility of your service l Upgrading your existing website to bet- ter promote services and to increase user traffic l Improving your online presence through upgrading technology, software or user experience resulting in better or more accessible service provision for li- brary customers. For example, this could include a new room booking system, making your catalogue more visible to users or an email automation project l Testing out a new digital idea or initia- tive that will help to unlock your library resources and attract new users
Any local authority operated library ser- vice can apply, as can trusts, mutual and charities commissioned by local authori- ties and so can consortia (but must identify a lead service in their application). Applicants can submit up to two applica- tions and can also be part of a consortium bid.
The guidance document take applicants through the aims of the fund, the applica- tion process and how to apply, find details at
https://bit.ly/429GTrK.
Councils on the brink
A SURVEY of senior council officials, with respondents from 138 local author ities has revealed that more than half are planning to cut more services while also raising council tax by the maximum possible amount. The Local Government Information
Unit’s report – The state of local public finance 2023 – said that “many criticised the process of bidding for central govern- ment funding” that it was “a serious waste of time and resources” with 82.5 per cent saying they had at least one unsuccess- ful bid, with 21 per cent saying that all of their bids had been rejected.
The survey found that “more than 50 per cent of respondents said they would be cutting spending on services, increas-
ing commercial investments, or spending reserves.” For some this would mean more than tightening belts, with 20 per cent who “went further, and said their budget would lead to cuts in frontline services that would be evident to the public”. It also found that “even more urgently,
7.5 per cent – 12 different councils – said there was a danger that financial constraints could risk their capacity to deliver their statutory duties – the essential services they are legally re- quired to provide”.
The survey found that only 14 per cent of
the senior council officials had “confidence in the sustainability of council finances”. Find the report at
https://bit.ly/3LmVgD8
March 2023
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