Today I read the news that libraries in my hometown of Peterborough will have their hours cut in order to make savings to the council budget. Following Ange Fitzpatrick’s lead I thought I’d write about my own public library experience. My story begins in Werrington Library which is sadly one of those affected by the cuts in Peterborough. When I think back I can paint a pretty life-like picture of the library in my mind. We’d arrive and lock up our bikes under the overhanging brick entrance. I always thought the main entrance to the building was rather sinister, no [...]
future
Saving Libraries and Escaping the Echo Chamber
This week I have been doing my bit for the #savelibraries campaign. I’ve been watching it from afar for some time without getting involved but this week I have finally been able to add my contribution. First up was an article for the Guardian Careers – Beyond books: what it means to be a 21st century librarian. I have been working on this with Katie Birkwood for the past 6 months. The idea to write an article about what it really means to be a librarian came from the comments on my Library Day in the Life Round 5 blog [...]
Libraries of the Future
I became aware of the JISC Libraries of the Future campaign in April when the issue was discussed at a conference in Oxford. In the past week JISC have published a brochure and this video on the topic. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjoJd_uN-7M&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1] I enjoyed watching this video keeping an eye out for familiar Oxford locations and hearing what Sarah Thomas, the director of the library service I work for, had to say. The key point in her speech for me was that of Google being our partner. I fear too many librarians still see Google as “the enemy” but I think it’s pointless [...]
