l Provision of public Internet access;
l Appropriate use of public spaces (including meeting and event spaces);
l Provision of publicly accessible events and activities.
The guidance includes 11 key principles that can be applied across those service areas, helping to ease the decision-mak- ing process. And while the focus is on public library spaces, the guidance can be tailored to other sectors, as it points out: “This guidance is intended primarily for public librarians and library staff who are responsible for making decisions, de- fining and implementing policies in the library relating to stock, public Internet access, use of space and public pro- gramming. It may also serve as a useful source of reference for librarians, library staff and decision-makers in other types of library, since the key principles apply across all contexts. Since public library authorities are often involved in the provision of library services to schools and prisons, references to good practice in these areas are included too.” The 11 guiding principles build a framework for library staff to follow and consider, when looking at how they curate services. These principles range from engaging stakeholders, and developing clear and appropriate policies to applying professional ethics and values, and to make (and document) evidence-based decisions. The guidance also highlights the importance of expertise, saying that it is important to “maintain access to appropri- ate expertise: Making clear and effective decisions, both about service design and in response to challenge, depends on access
to the knowledge and expertise of a profes- sional librarian. Consider reviewing your staff profile to ensure that your service has adequate access to professional library skills and leadership.”
It also points out that regular staff training is crucial, adding “Undertake a skills audit or ‘pulse survey’ of your teams to ensure that they feel equipped to manage challenge and to make evidence-based decisions.” The introduction to the guidance looks at how library staff can find themselves with difficult choices to make as they balance professional values with their duty of care and legal obligations. It says: “Too often, librar- ians, library staff and decision-makers find themselves faced with an impossible choice between their professional values and their duty to the safety and welfare of their users. “Managing Safe and Inclusive Public
Library Services draws on current practice and examples in an attempt to reconcile these conflicts by aligning our ethical, legal and professional responsibilities with the practical decisions made every day by library staff. It provides a core set of 11 ‘key principles’ which draw on CILIP’s Ethical Framework to provide library staff with a clear ‘decision-making framework’ when dealing with complex and challenging issues.”
The overriding message of the guid- ance is that the best way to deal with any potential issues is to plan ahead, making sure that policies are in place and that staff are aware of them. It urges library services to “understand the law and its limits” and to take a risk management approach to implementing policies, sug- gesting that managers should “predict the main risk factors associated with stock, public events, Internet access and the
use of public spaces and the likely impact of those risks on service users and staff. Develop and implement adaptations which help to control these risks and monitor their effectiveness, adjusting as needed. Remember that, in times of challenge or conflict, self-censorship or exaggerated risk controls can be as damaging to the core purpose of the library as the conflict itself.” The guidance is linked to the four con- texts identified in the We Are CILIP Action Plan that was launched in 2022. That plan sets out themes of Leadership, Social Justice and Equity, Sustainability and Digital Transformation as areas of focus for CILIP as it supports members and the wider profession. Managing safe and In- clusive public library services: A Practical Guide, touches on those priority areas and delivers a user-friendly tool to help library workers unpick some of the complexities of managing inclusive services. It is a reminder of the value and the real-world impact of the ethical commitment that library and information professionals undertake in their roles. Those professional standards and values help to shape services for a strong and sustainable society. As Luke Burton, Head of Libraries, Arts Council England, says: “This is an impor- tant piece of research which offers valuable guidance to the library sector. I’m sure that library colleagues will find it helpful when planning how to deal with complex issues so all library users and staff can enjoy libraries as safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces.” IP
l Managing Safe and Inclusive Public Library Services: A practical guide is available now at
www.cilip.org.uk/safe-and-in- clusive-guide.
Anti-Racist Library Collections training for Wales – invitation to tender
CILIP is looking to commission an external provider(s) to develop content for anti-racist library collections training for public libraries across Wales.
The development of this training is the second phase of the Anti-Racist Library Collections project (
https://bit.ly/3sIqvkC), a three-phased Welsh Government funded project intended to support the delivery of the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan.
Anti-racist collections training will comprise of four modules that provide practical strategies, guidance and activities for all levels and responsibilities of staff to promote anti-racist practices and further learning. The modules are:
l Preliminary module on anti-racism l Stock Acquisitions and Collections l Cataloguing and Classification l Community Engagement and Outreach l Contact
yvonne.morris@
cilip.org.uk for more details l To view the full tender document visit
https://bit.ly/4671JZX
Indicative contract fee: £33,000 (VAT inclusive) Timescale for delivery: November 2023 – February 2024 Deadline to apply: Wednesday 4 October 2023, 5pm
September 2023 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 15
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