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The "lack of vision" regarding the role of the Swindon library service has "led to a disconnect between the service and both existing and potential users," according to the Swindon library report, commissioned jointly by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and Swindon council and published this week.
It was reported earlier in the week that the council’s library review had recommended keeping the Old Town library (which has been subject to a high profile campaign) in Swindon open, albeit with a staff count cut back to one person.
However, that report goes on to state that no library closures should be made in Swindon until a published strategy for the library service is produced and recommended the strategy looks at increasing book stock and extending library opening hours and identifying savings through a focus on "reconfiguring as opposed to cutting the service."
Jon Finch, director of engagement at the MLA, said: "The report sets out a practical guide to how Swindon can develop its library service and make the best use of available resources. We will be happy to continue to offer our advice to the council to achieve this."
But library consultant Tim Coates, whose own report on the Swindon library service was delivered in February, but rejected by Swindon council after being discredited in confidential advice issued by the MLA, said: "This is just another 'holding' report saying that Swindon needs to write a proper plan for its library service before it closes libraries. There is nothing in it that we didn't know six months ago."
Swindon library campaigner Shirley Burnham welcomed the saving of Old Town library but said that the report's criticism of Swindon's management of its library service "is of such gravity that senior officers should be prompted to apologise to Swindon taxpayers or resign. The MLA might now issue a statement of regret to residents for its action in advising the council to reject the Coates' Report because, as a result, six precious months have been lost."