In an interview with the Local Government Channel MLA Chief Executive Roy Clare has been asked about the role libraries play in the community and what needs to be done by local authorities to help library services through the recession.
Asked about what he saw as the long-term consequences of the Library Modernisation Review, being conducted by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Roy Clare said local authorities should consider far more how libraries can play a part in an integrated community service and should look at how changes to the service can make it more efficient and in line with current best practice.
Asked about how local authorities could avoid library closures he spoke of the benefits of co-location with services such as GP centres, Further Education colleges and one-stop shops and said: "Don't let libraries stnad alone, these are really key services."
http://www.localgovernmentchannel.com/v/local_libraries_use_them_or_lose_them/
July 2009