Open to All? reports the findings of an 18 month research project, "Public Library Policy and Social Exclusion", based at Leeds Metropolitan University and conducted in partnership with the London Borough of Merton (Libraries), Sheffield Libraries, Archives and Information Services, and John Vincent, an independent consultant. Volume 1 provides an overview of the study and its main conclusions and recommendations. It reviews the context of social exclusion and the nature of the problems facing public libraries and other public institutions. The record of the public library in tackling disadvantage is critically assessed and the weaknesses of a predominantly "voluntary" approach to exclusion based on access are highlighted. The findings of a survey of contemporary public library services and of eight case studies of public library authorities are then reported. These suggest that although public libraries are currently modernising their services, this modernisation is unlikely to refocus the public library on excluded communities and social groups. The project concludes that to do this, and to become more than superficially "open to all", the public library will need to transform itself into a far more proactive, educative and interventionist public institution, with a concern for social justice at its core. The suggested elements of this transformation are detailed in a penultimate chapter, which highlights good practice, and in specific project recommendations which conclude the study.Because of the wide-ranging scope of the research, comprising working papers, case studies in the field and a survey, its findings are published in three volumes. This volume (Vol. 1) comprises an overview of the key issues and findings of the study and the final project conclusions and recommendations. Other volumes are organised as follows:• Volume 2: Survey, Case Studies and Methods contains the detailed empirical findings of the research. • Volume 3: Working Papers gathers together the working papers produced during the course of the project.These volumes are obtainable from: British Thesis Service, British Library Document Supply Centre, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, UK.Many people have assisted us with this study, giving generously of their time, energy and interest. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the support of Barbara Buckley at Resource, who has managed the project, and Francis Hendrix; Kevin Harris; Janet Holden; Paul Catcheside; Joe Hendry and Tim Owen who were members of the project steering group. Alistair Black, at Leeds Metropolitan University; Dave Spencer, at Sheffield Libraries, Archives and Information Services and Michael Hudson, at the DfEE library in Sheffield have also provided invaluable support and help; Luisa Hill-Baker, at Leeds Metropolitan University, has handled the project finances with skill and good humour; and Dr Mo Mowlam MP has kindly provided a foreword to Open to All?. We are also very appreciative of those 129 public library authorities who took the time and troub...
The dissemination of information in Kenya relies too much on the printed word, which is not accessible to the rural population. Neither the press, nor libraries, nor broadcasting services really satisfy the information needs of rural people. An informal information system, combining the oral tradition and the print medium, began to flourish during the anti-colonial struggle. It demonstrates the importance of providing relevant information for the entire population, of organizing the system on a democratic basis and of regarding communication as a two-way process, using whatever media are most appropriate. Food kiosks act as informal centres for the exchange of information and could be developed into 'information kiosks' staffed by professional information workers.
Describes the approach taken by Merton Library and Heritage Service, part of the London Borough of Merton, to address equalities in a meaningful way. It examines aspects of service delivery and the changing staffing structure. Without appropriate structures and policies to address equality matters, no fundamental change, required for the creation of a service based on principles of social justice, can occur. The underlying vision and philosophy are examined. It has been written for use within the service and to inform others of the successes and failures to date. Based on the experience of the process of change to date, a list is provided of key requirements for creating a service based on principles of equality.
If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractAddresses a number of issues concerning racial discrimination in UK public libraries. It examines Black librarianship in the UK in 2001; records the development of the Quality Leaders Project which focuses on policy development, management and leadership issues in the context of Black workers and community needs; and discusses the potential contribution of this approach. Electronic accessThe research register for this journal is available at
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