New national standards proposed by the government would mandate British public libraries to increase their opening hours, extend their loan periods, and provide Internet access. The standards, announced May 15 by Culture Secretary Chris Smith, also govern the proximity of libraries to users and the number of new books purchased annually.
The plan calls on town councils to open at least one library for a minimum of 60 hours a week; at present, the London Independent reported May 16, only 11 of the country’s 3,504 libraries meet that target. Other goals: Both urban and rural users should be located within 20 minutes of a branch or mobile library; libraries should buy 216 books or other items each year for every 1,000 residents; and branches open more than 10 hours a week should provide Internet access.
Calling it “essential” that libraries fulfill their role as “street-corner universities,” Smith warned that “Where necessary, the government will not hesitate to protect library services by direct intervention.”
Local governments, librarians, and users have until July 3 to comment on the proposed standards, which must be met by 2004.
Posted May 22, 2000.