Public library closures in England: the need to Act? EDITORIAL

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relevance of the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act in light of recent announced public library closures in England and the subsequent investigation by the Secretary of State for Culture into proposed closures in Wirral libraries. The paper asks whether the Act is fit for purpose or merely confuses the status of public libraries in a legal sense. It provides a discussion of the limitations of the Act, some background to recent public library closure controversies, and the powers central government have to intervene locally.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a reflective viewpoint.

Findings

The paper finds that a new Act may be necessary to further define how public libraries should provide services and what a basic level of provision is defined as.

Practical implication

Reflects on the current statutory provision and should be of interest to those working in public libraries or those researching the area.

Originality/value

Provides a reflective analysis of a current issue of importance in UK public libraries.

Citation

McMenemy, D. (2009), "Public library closures in England: the need to Act? EDITORIAL", Library Review, Vol. 58 No. 8, pp. 557-560. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530910987046