Some better news

Paige Turner (over at Swansea Libraries) had a link to this BBC page, which shows Welsh Libraries doing better than average across the UK.


Swansea Central Library came top. For a glimpse of the new look to the design of libraries, go look at this page on Opening The Book.

How to ask a Library Angel

Ahem - after my little rant I thought I should find something more charming and interesting for you.

How To Ask a Library Angel


I found this after reading A Whole New Mind (by Daniel H. Pink), which (in the design section) recommended the work and websites of Robin Williams the designer.

Be careful what you wish for... IMHO

Making libraries more accessible to all, by allowing the use of mobile phones, eating and drinking, no shushing, no need to be a member, etc seems like the current management style in many libraries (not just us) but it comes at a price.

We now have gangs of young people milling around, fighting, tearing each other's hair out, screaming, giggling, etc. Did the plan include losing the peaceful sanctuary of the old-fashioned library?

The parallel for me remains old churches. As a lifelong atheist I still enjoy the peace of churches and cathedrals (especially when travelling) as places to think, contemplate or meditate - although I could do without the images of torment that seem so popular in the West. I mention churches, however, precisely because even I (doomed heretic though I am) respect the atmosphere generated by years of respect for the space. I take off my hat, I don't do flash photography, etc.

If we sacrifice the 'atmosphere of respect for learning' that libraries traditionally have, then perhaps we drive away the previous users, in exchange for people who have no real use for what we offer.

If libraries no longer offer sanctuary and peace, where can a quiet person now go, when in town? The park, maybe?

Of course, being 'currently fashionable management style' means we may well reverse this approach somewhere in the future, but it could prove hard to reclaim the pleasant atmosphere of mutual respect after this foray into popularism.

Eating, drinking, running and screaming in the library - next thing you know they'll be allowing singing in church. Oh, wait...

This feels more like trying to attract people to church by having rock concerts.

Cardiff Central Library wins RIBA Award

Cardiff Central Library has won a RIBA Award for BDP.

BBC Wales Arts

Wales Online

Cardiff Central Library on Facebook

Llyfrgell Ganolog Caerdydd

Note for locals: Chapter Arts Centre has also won for Ash Sakula.

Half an ear on an online talk

I had this invite a few days ago, so have used my netbook to log in to listen/watch the discussion, but I have to carry on with the day job, of course.

Fortunately, my day job does include, in its description, checking out the use of online resources, collaborative and training issues, webinars, etc.

Coalition - What does that mean for Frontline Public Services?
And does technology have a part to play in meeting the challenges ahead?
Please join us tomorrow, Wednesday 19th May, at 11.30 am for our live interview with Martin Ferguson, head of policy at Socitm, and Alan Edwards, council member and chair of CIPFA's IT panel, to discuss 'The Coalition - what does that mean for Frontline Public Services?' And whether technology has a part to play in meeting the challenges ahead.

Locally, Twitter is still blocked by our ICT Dept, but the link suggested is #LGITU-live

Re:sources

On a more positive note (as we all cringe and wonder what a UK coalition government, that has to make savage cuts in public services, has planned for libraries) - I really enjoy rummaging among the resources at Box of Tricks, an exceptionally good educational web place...

Coalition - what does that mean for Frontline Public Services?
Online interview, May 19th - register to listen here

De-shushing the library

Here in Cardiff, we have allowed people to eat, drink, use mobile phones, etc - in the new style library as community centre, etc.

Most people seem to like the relaxed atmosphere, although a few still ask for the 'quiet study area' and we don't have one, really.

Internet has also attracted a whole new clientele, and some of the branches occasionally find 'yoof' a bit hard to handle.

Still, we haven't yet needed to hire a bouncer, as the library in Kings Lynn decided to do...see this story in The Daily Mail (and yes, the Mail does like its 'yob culture' stories, so take the tone with a pinch of salt...)

New statistics highlight public demand for library investment and modernisation

We received this Press Release today, from The Reading Agency.

All good stuff!

Shush! and I'll tell you where the stereotypes come from...

I came across this book while browsing our shelves - you can borrow it (a good idea, as it could cost you £30-40 to buy a copy!

The notes on Amazon.com will fill you in on what it contains...

And since 1999 things have changed radically, of course, so perhaps some (if not all) future librarians may begin to look like a computer geek - someone who has mastered searching, researching, compiling, and all that. A permanent human wiki...

I guess this remains the transition period!

Whatever happened to The Book?

If you have half an hour, you might enjoy this talk from Mark Pesce, about electronic books, hypertext and much more...