Regional Library Development ‐ Where Next:: Proceedings of the Regional Issues Seminar Organised for the Department of National Heritage by the Library and Information Co‐operation Council (LINC) 9th and 10th February, 1996, Viking Hotel, York

Citation

de Paul Roper, V. (1998), "Regional Library Development ‐ Where Next:: Proceedings of the Regional Issues Seminar Organised for the Department of National Heritage by the Library and Information Co‐operation Council (LINC) 9th and 10th February, 1996, Viking Hotel, York", New Library World, Vol. 99 No. 4, pp. 168-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/nlw.1998.99.4.168.4

In such an interesting publication with papers given by the leading luminaries of the library world, it is not difficult to find quotable quotes to convey the importance of the occasion, but perhaps I will be forgiven for starting with a quote from Derek Law:

…Higher education is the method by which one gains a higher grade of prejudices, … The average British librarian will leave no stone unturned to see that nothing disturbs the even tenor of their lives, fearlessly grasping the nettle with neither hand ..

Yet such a quotation is not as facetious as one might first presume, because the end product of such a conference must be a compromise between providers saying what a good service they offer and the users saying something like “we are grateful for the service which is provided through our subscriptions and financing, but is there a future?” or as Bob Usherwood put it “… to make God laugh, tell him your plans for the future”. The Department of National Heritage (DNH), in a paper circulated in advance of the seminar, had stated that their paper was intended to promote discussion and no part of the text should be taken to represent DNH policy or Council advice to the Secretary of State. In view of the paper by Joyce Wallace on “Scottish lLibraries and information ‐ strategic alternatives”, and the frequent references to the better provision for library co‐operation in Scotland, Ireland and Wales it is just as well; especially where she states:

SLIC (Scottish Library and Information Council) is in a unique position to co‐ordinate library and information provision in Scotland. SLIC alone has the remit to report and advise the Secretary of State for Scotland on library and information issues …

Duncan Wilson, Head of Libraries, Department of National Heritage, attempted to say why he thought regional co‐operation was important:

There is a general recognition that interdependence will be a crucial requirement as knowledge and demands become more specialised (ASLIB Report 1995) … The need to maximise benefits from finite available resources against these increasing demands.

The challenges created by local government reorganisation include the potential for increased fragmentation and greater costs.

The increasing role of information technology (IT) which has the potential to break down existing regional boundaries.

… My strong feeling is that since we have a regional structure, we should build on it and not start something new…

But then further on in his paper he suggests that:

…present arrangements are not adequate to meet the challenges ahead…

The paper from Nick Fox, “Hatrics”, was also fascinating to read with his implication that we still have an unwritten constitution controlling the library/information world.

At the top of the present strategic planning pyramid we see the new Library and Information Commission: outside its published terms of reference, still an unknown quantity in respect of what it will actually do, when it will do it, and who it will do it with.

The answer to this puzzle is partly given by Stuart Brewer, Executive Secretary, Library and Information Commission, when, in quoting Shakespeare, he stated

I am sent, with broom, before to sweep the dust behind the door…

It is very interesting that in the Fox paper still seeks regional reference libraries with the familiar terminology of McColvin and Chandler. This questioning is continued by Geoffrey Hare when he states:

…we have failed to identify against the assumed goals even of interlending, the extent to which the volume and quality of service of this aspect of collaboration justified the cost, met its aspirations or whether, for example, its regional structure was still appropriate to its effectiveness…

Brian Lang, Chief Executive, the British Library, added little to the discussion on regional libraries by his pointing out that:

What we are trying to do from Boston Spa, is consolidate the British Library’s position in global document and information supply activity…

But he justified his presence by clearly stating that the pre‐eminence of the British Library is committed to co‐operation with the interlending process both with literature and IT developments. The paper of Peter Stone, Consultant Project Earl, on the “Developments in the technologies of co‐operation”, then presented the IT response to regional co‐operation:

The focus of service must be on users: the goal must be to identify their distinct needs.

He then explores the global implications of the Internet and technological developments which will improve our future needs.

This publication was the most compelling conference proceedings I have ever read, and I do recommend it to all involved in the extension of library work through interlending and the library without walls. No contribution was any more significant or important than the others, but each hangs together to form a compelling unit. This speaks well for the organisation of the conference and the reporting of the proceedings.