Past neglect and future promise: the condition of UK public libraries now and over the last 20 years
- Resource Type
- Academic Journal
- Authors
- Hendry, J.D.
- Source
- Library Review, 2000, Vol. 49, Issue 9, pp. 442-448.
- Subject
- research-article
Research paper
cat-LISC
Library & information science
cat-IBRT
Information behaviour & retrieval
cat-LISE
Library & information services
cat-ILIT
Information literacy
Public libraries
UK
Library services
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 0024-2535
The decline in public libraries in the UK during the years of the previous Conservative Governments is demonstrated and its legacy of neglect and low morale described. The policies of the Labour Government since 1997 are discussed and initiatives of relevance to public libraries examined. The role of public libraries in the delivery of lifelong learning, within the ICT revolution both for commerce and government, and most particularly in relation to social inclusion, is discussed and advocated.