The Ongoing Value of Libraries

Over the past few months there has been a lot of debate over proposed library cuts in the United Kingdom. In total over 10% of British libraries are under threat of closure, and some councils are proposing to use volunteers to staff libraries. The recession has put a renewed focus on all public spending and while there have been no such threats here, it is important that we try to look at this issue objectively. It is ratepayers’ money we are using to fund the library after all, and it is vital that the service we provide is something that our funders both want and use.



One of the regular arguments used to support the closure of libraries is the perceived decline in the reading of printed books, due in the most part to the rise of the Internet and the emergence of E-books. International statistics would seem in part to support this argument, although it is noticeable that the reading and publishing of children’s books does seem to buck this trend. It is however an important consideration and we only need to look at the recorded music industry to see the impact new technology can have.


One of the possible misconceptions about libraries, and indeed librarians, however is that they are stuck in the past. In fact we are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our borrowers. Librarians make a great deal of effort to keep up to date with professional knowledge and technological changes and how these might be adopted to help our borrowers.


The features of a modern library catalogue for example are a far cry from the abilities of the old card catalogue. We are shortly going to be releasing Masterton Library’s redeveloped OPAC and soon we will presenting SORCER which will greatly enhance how borrowers can interact with our catalogue. We are also making moves towards offering e-books to our borrowers. More on these in future articles.


For many people the Internet is now the first port of call when they are seeking information. Here at Masterton Library we have recognised the changing use of our collection and have responded accordingly to better fit the needs of our borrowers. This has involved a large increase in the amount of fiction we are providing, and special attention to the non-fiction to ensure that what we have is still going to be used. We also now have a role to play in providing the public with access to the Internet and assistance with this when it is needed.


We are very pleased to see that our efforts appear to be working and we have been enjoying a steady growth in the number of books we issue. We have also enjoyed a regular increase in the number of people who use the library and our e-centre is almost always in use. If in the future printed books do fall out of use for most reading activities, you can be assured that librarians will be at the forefront of providing access to whatever device has replaced them.


We are very aware that the public library is much more than a storehouse for books. In addition to our books , magazines, CDs and DVDs, it is a place where the public meet, where information is shared, a facility that all members of the community are welcome to use. As librarians we facilitate all these functions, ordering, processing and cataloguing library items, arranging visits, displays and programmes. We also use our experience and knowledge to offer suggestions and advice on a range of matters - from how to set up an email account, to what book to read next. We have always acted as intermediaries between the public and the information they require – and this doesn’t change if the information is accessed through a book or a website.


The planned library closures in the UK have created a great deal of controversy and resulted in petitions, protests and in the case of the Gloucestershire County Council, a High Court Injunction. Many people are obviously passionate supporters of the public library and its role in society and from a personal perspective this is wonderful to see. Our best defence however is to remain a relevant and useful service that is utilised by large parts of the community. If this continues to be the case our funders will continue to value the public library and all it offers, and our future is secure.

Jon Adams
Community Outreach Librarian
Masterton District Library