Library news

• How long will libraries Labour under austerity?

  09-09-2024 16:47 via publiclibrariesnews.com
  
  EditorialWell, another big week for public libraries being in the news. This was pushed mainly by a BBC report on comparing each English library service now with its service in 2016 which discovered, unsurprisingly, a – shall we say? – downward trend in numbers open, staffing and opening hours. While there is no question that this generally reflects reality, a look at the data suggests that there are specific errors with the data (my service is down as closing three libraries since 2
  
  Read more

• Funding shortfall of £4bn leaves councils on a precipice

  09-09-2024 09:48
  
  Councils across England, Scotland and Wales have a collective hole in their finances amounting to more than £4bn for the coming financial year, way beyond any previous estimates, says UNISON research published today (Monday).
  New figures, based on information from local authorities, show council funding is in a dire state with massive cuts likely to essential services and jobs, says the union.
  The report, Councils on the Brink, warns that failure to rectify the growing problem soon risks &
  
  Read more

Follow @LibraryUknws on Twitter!