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2nd December 2008

DCMS in surprise review of libraries

11.09.08 Benedicte Page

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is planning a new review of the public library service, likely to be announced by culture secretary Andy Burnham at the Public Library Authorities Conference in October.

DCMS director of culture Mick Elliott is the civil servant thought to be slated to lead the surprise review. Elliott joined the DCMS in March.

Well-placed sources suggested it would be a "modernisation" review covering the long-term future of public libraries. It will explore the best way to measure the service and its contribution to society, as well as broader national priorities. It will also look at what the workforce for a modern library service should be like and will explore the scope for improved partnerships and new ways of funding service development and improvement.

A DCMS spokesperson confirmed that Burnham would speak at the Public Library Authorities Conference and said the minister was "intending provisionally to use that to make a keynote speech on library policy". The spokesperson added: "It is not 100% clear if it will be the curtain-raiser for a review. What is clear is that Andy Burnham won't be announcing a root-and-branch policy for the future because 'Framework for the Future' [the government's national action plan on public libraries] still has four years to run. However, it will be more than a description of current policy, and will be exploring the future."

A spokesperson for the Museums, Library and Archive Council said: "Talks between DCMS, the MLA and other partners about exploring the long-term future beyond the Library Action Plan are at an early stage."

Library campaigner Desmond Clarke said: "There is a lot of scepticism as to whether another review will lead to anything, especially one undertaken by a civil servant. What the sector needs is leadership, a vision for libraries in the 21st century which is shared by government, the profession and local politicians, and a focus on delivering a service which meets the diverse needs of local communities."

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