Library Manifesto for Europe #europe4libraries2019 #EuropeDay2019

Today is Europe Day, and elections for the European Parliament take place on 22 May, so there is a theme of "This time I'm voting". 

IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations ad Institutions), in partnership with  has produced a Library Manifesto for Europe, with materials available in different European languages. The Manifesto asserts the value of libraries to Europe, and of Europe to libraries, and states that: "We want a Europe that:
- "Guarantees that everyone, at any time in their lives, is able to learn, read, and develop through libraries"
- "Places access at the heart of its action on culture, science and innovation"
- "Commits fully to delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals and promotes access to information in its accession and development initiatives"
The website https://www.europe4libraries2019.eu/

National Libraries Day #NLD13

Today is National Libraries Day in the UK. Sorry I didn't get this post out time to check for the day's events, but you can visit the event's website http://www.nationallibrariesday.org.uk/ and follow it on Twitter https://twitter.com/search?q=%23nld13

Why I need my library #savelibraries

The winner in the 13-15 age group category in the ALA "Why I Need My Library" Competition (winners recently announced) was this engaging video

School Library Advocacy #savelibraries

The Australian Library and Information Association and Australian School Library Association have created a wiki aimed at "parents, students, teachers, and everyone else who is concerned about the state of school libraries" to support advocacy efforts. http://schoollibraries2011.wikispaces.com/

Protecting public library legislation #savelibrarie

For UK readers: the Government has put up a consultation about a huge raft of legislation which it claims may be "burdensome" to Local Authorities: asking what should be kept and what ditched. This includes an alarming quantity of valuable legislation, including the legislation that says that local governments have to provide an adequate public library service. You have to give the reference number of the legislation and say why you think it should be kept or removed. The consultation closes on 25 April and is here: http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/decentralisation/tacklingburdens/reviewstatutoryduties/. The key ones for libraries are:
Reference number: DCMS_027 [This is the reference number you fill in at the start of the questionnaire]
Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 Section 7
Duty: To provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. In fulfilling this duty, must have particular regard to the matters in s7(2)
Function: Secure provision of local library services

Reference number: DCMS_026
Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 Section 1(2)
Duty: To provide information and facilities for the inspection of library premises, stocks, records, as the Secretary of State requires.
Function: Necessary for Secretary of State to fulfil (requirement) to superintend library service [i.e. DCMS_27]

Reference number: DCMS_028
Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 Section 11
Duty: Supplemental provisions as to transfers of officers, assets and liabilities
Function: Provisions provide, for example, continuity of employment for transferring employees. This secures consistency across library transfers etc and in line with other local authority employment legislation
Photo by Sheila Webber: Daffodils, Sheffield, March 2011