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The consultation about the future of library services should be used as a catalyst for innovation and strategic improvement, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) has said. The MLA is to aim for a "modern library network, locally delivered", with library users regarded as "readers, learners and customers, entitled to first-class service, online and in buildings".
Responding">http://www.thebookseller.com/news/105240-margaret-hodge-defends-late-rev... to the publication of the DCMS Modernisation Review consultation, MLA chief
executive Roy Clare said: "Decisions to ensure the library service is as life-changing for the next 100 years as it was for the last, need to be taken with full consideration and public consent, so consultation is essential. Meanwhile, it is vital that the immediate work to deliver and improve library service at a time of extreme spending pressure goes on."
He added: "There are too many buildings, and too many decrepit buildings. Opening hours, the range of books, information and services, in physical space and online, must reflect consumer expectations. But decisions must never be ad hoc in response to budgetary or other pressures."
On">http://www.thebookseller.com/news/105123-in-full-wirral-library-report-.... the publication of the Wirral enquiry, he said: "Sue Charteris has completed a thorough
piece of work that supports the vital principle that changes to library provision should only take place after strategic thinking and proper process that takes full account of the variety of public need and wishes."
The MLA is to announce action to achive a faster digital network later in the week. "The internet does not respect council boundaries, and neither should a customer focused national network," Clare added.