Legal Research

Government junks Public Library Modernisation Review spending commitments

By scott

The DCMS has confirmed that spending commitments made by the last government following its Public Library Modernisation Review will not be kept. This means that the coalition will not pursue the £2 million (per annum) spending commitments set out in the Public Library Modernisation Review Policy statement published in March 2010.

What were these?

“These were free internet access in all libraries and to promote library membership as an entitlement from birth.”

Proposal 27: The Government expects that from April 2011 all library services will provide free internet access to users as part of their Library Offer to the public. Government will, under section 8(2)(b) of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, make an (affirmative) Order preventing libraries from charging for internet access. DCMS will ensure that there will be no net additional costs to local authorities in line with the Government?s new burdens procedures.

Proposal 8: We know children benefit in many ways from early access to books and reading29. The Government therefore expects that from April 2011 all library services offer library membership as an entitlement from birth. This might be achieved in a number of ways:
? Offering Library membership at the registration of a birth30
? Offering Library membership along with child benefits
? Offering library membership with Bookstart packs

Two thirds of libraries already provide library membership information with packs which are distributed to all children at 7- 9 months31. DCMS will ensure that there will be no net additional costs to local authorities in line with the Government?s new burdens procedures.

“It also included extending the Public Lending Right to non-print format books, estimated at £300,000 ? this has been suspended and will be considered as part of spending review in the Autumn.”

Proposal 34: Government expects e-books to be loaned for free. Government will under section 8(2)(b) of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, make an (affirmative) Order preventing libraries from charging for e-books lending of any sort including remotely.

Proposal 35: DCMS will work with stakeholders to develop the secondary legislation for the extension of the Public Lending Right to non print books to enable simple, cost effective and easy to use arrangements for all public libraries.

This decision is part of £73 million in savings the DCMS is making, which also includes ending free swimming for those aged 16 and under and over 60s.

Not really a surprise, as we are all aware that cuts are going to hit everywhere, but still a little disappointing, especially the decision on offering free internet access.

Full post as published by Information Overload on June 17, 2010 (boomark / email).