A framework with a fragile foundation: thoughts from a critical friend on Framework for the Future
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120310486011 |
| Pages | 305-309 |
| Date | 01 September 2003 |
| Published date | 01 September 2003 |
| Author | Bob Usherwood |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
A framework with a
fragile foundation:
thoughts from a critical
friend on
Framework
for the Future
Bob Usherwood
The Department for Culture, Media and
Sport's (2003) recent report, Framework for
the Future aims to set out a structure whereby
public libraries will provide socially inclusive
services. It emphasises that such services are
to be made available through both electronic
and established means, and that they are
intended to empower local communities. It
further argues that the modern mission of
libraries should be based on four main factors.
These are identified as evolution, public
value, distinctiveness, and local
interpretations of national programmes.
Thus, any new roles for public libraries
should emerge from their traditional core
skills, and focus on areas where public
intervention will deliver large benefits for
society. Libraries should build on their ``open
neutral and self help culture'', and not
duplicate the efforts of other providers. In
addition, it says that there is a requirement for
more programmes such as The People's
Network, through which national offers are
adapted to local needs. The authors suggest
that three main functions fit these criteria and
should be used to guide libraries in
developing their mission. These are, ``The
promotion of reading and informal learning,
access to digital skills and services, and
measures to tackle social exclusion.''
All these aspirations are contained in a
readable, nicely illustrated, almost glossy,
publication which contains pictures and
examples of current best practice. It also
contains a table intended to illustrate some of
the services that could be on offer in the
libraries of 2013. In her foreword, the
Minister, Baroness Blackstone, introduces the
document as the government's response to
the public library community's request, ``for
clear guidance and leadership from the
centre''. In order to obtain the views of the
library community, the present author
contacted senior library managers in English
and Welsh library authorities to ask them to
offer their opinions as to the three major
strengths and weaknesses in the report. Their
views have been incorporated into the present
paper to help counter any possible ivory tower
bias.
Framework for the Future is based on
research and analysis undertaken by Charles
Leadbeater with support from John Holden of
Demos, an independent think tank. On paper
this is a strong team but one that apparently
paid little attention to previous studies in the
field. At least there is no bibliography to
The author
Bob Usherwood is Professor of Librarianship, in the
Department of Information Studies, The University of
Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
E-mail: R.Usherwood@sheffield.ac.uk
Keywords
Public libraries, United Kingdom, Social systems
Abstract
Describes and critiques a report published by the UK's
Department of Culture, Media and Sport in 2003 which
sets out a structure whereby public libraries will provide
socially inclusive services and how this will be achieved.
The report indicates that the modern mission of public
libraries should be based on evolution, public value,
distinctiveness and local interpretations of national
programmes. New roles should emerge from traditional
core skills, and focus on areas where public intervention
will deliver large benefits for society.
Electronic access
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is
available at
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is
available at
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
305
Library Management
Volume 24 .Number 6/7 .2003 .pp. 305-309
#MCB UP Limited .ISSN 0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120310486011
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