Closing the Book on Libraries

The current climate in local government, and the fate of libraries
by Gordon Campbell.
In Kaitaia and Kaikohe, residents must pay $15 in a “membership fee” to be able to use their public library. In Matamata, borrowers have to pay $1 a week to rent ordinary non-bestseller books. In Dannevirke and Pahiatua, library users over 18 have to pay $10 a year as a ‘borrowing card fee’ to rent books. In the Wairarapa, Tasman, Buller Westland/Hokitika. Selwyn and Gore regions, various charges apply for ordinary stock on the shelves. In Tauranga, the local council is reportedly aiming to recoup up to $430,000 via library charges over the next three years, by introducing a user-pays regime for free adult fiction and non-fiction – initially at the rate of 50 cents a book, rising to 80 cents and then one dollar in a year’s time. It also proposes to cut seven equivalent full time library staff positions and reduce library stocks by 30,000 items.
This crackdown on libraries is becoming a familiar theme, around the country. Membership fees, rental charges, access fees, overdue fines and other cost barriers are going up. Simultaneously, the funds for new stock, for library staff numbers and opening hours, and for digital access are being squeezed – except on items or services where there is a robust regime of cost recovery. What the plight of libraries signals is the erosion of free access to even the basic forms of knowledge that they hold. Ironically, libraries are coming under siege in the wake of the economic recession – just as citizens are using them more and more for knowledge access, for entertainment and as a community meeting ground.
The crisis in library funding does not seem to be a reflection of an absolute scarcity in the ratepayer funds ...
http://werewolf.co.nz/2010/05/closing-the-books-on-libraries/comment-page-1/#comment-2029 to read the full story.

Post Card Campaign by Library Lovers13 July 2009

Post Card Campaign by Library Lovers13 July 2009
Thousands of post cards are making their way to Parliament this month in an appeal by lovers of libraries to make sure the institution of library is not forgotten in any change to the Local Government Act.
"We understand the Government wants local government to focus on core, front line services," says Barbara Garriock, chair of LIANZA, the Library and Information Association of New Zealand/Aotearoa. "What could be more front line and core in a democracy than a public library?"
The postcard campaign features a white card with a map of New Zealand created in books, a big red heart, and the caption "New Zealanders Love Libraries." On the other side, the message reads: "Dear_______, Please make sure that Public Libraries are a core service of Local Government across New Zealand. Thank you! Yours sincerely,_______" The campaign has been launched by LIANZA and has also gained the support of the Public Service Association (PSA).
"By embedding libraries as a core service of local government, there is tremendous benefit in equity, in literacy outcomes and in lifelong learning," Barbara Garriock noted. She said public librarians are reminded on a daily basis by their customers of the importance of libraries in their lives. "After all, libraries are the most used council facility by choice and certainly exceed usage of facilities such as swimming pools, sports grounds and stadiums." Ms. Garriock stated.
Currently, most libraries across New Zealand are experiencing increased numbers through the door as the recession hits. People looking to learn more about other job opportunities as well as people economising by borrowing a book or DVD, rather than purchasing one, and others taking advantage of Internet access, are making libraries very busy places.
"There is no law protecting public libraries in New Zealand. At LIANZA we think public libraries deserve surety equal to dog control and/or parks and reserves," Ms. Garriock said.
A report to cabinet on the Local Government Act by the Minister of Local Government is due 30 August.
So why not email an MP today
Craig Foss (Tukutuki MP)craig.foss@national.org.nz
Chris Tremain (Napier MP) chris.tremain@parliament.govt.nz
Nathan Guy (Minister for National Library) nathan.guy@national.org.nz
John Key (Prime Minister)john.key@national.org.nz
Rodney Hide (Local Govenment Minister) rodney.hide@act.org.nz

For further information, contact :
Bill ClagueExecutive DirectorAssociation of Public Library Managers04-471-2544Or email bill@aplm.org.nz

Librarians worry about local government review by The NZPA

Librarians worried that a review of local government will hurt public libraries are urging supporters to write to the Government. I appears as thought libraries are not listed as a core Local Governemnt Service.
Library and Information Association of New Zealand/Aotearoa chairwoman Barbara Garriock is asking people to send postcards to MPs to make sure the place of public libraries is not forgotten in any change to the Local Government Act.
"We understand the Government wants local government to focus on core, front line services. What could be more front line and core in a democracy than a public library?" Ms Garriock said.
The Government is currently looking at what councils do and whether they should be restricted in the services they offer in an attempt to rein in rates.
Ms Garriock said libraries should be locked in as a core service of local government as they were the most used council facility by choice.
"There is no law protecting public libraries in New Zealand. At Lianza we think public libraries deserve surety equal to dog control and/or parks and reserves," Ms Garriock said.
Local Government Minister Rodney Hide is due to report to Cabinet on the Local Government Act review by the end of August.
In a cabinet paper Mr Hide put the case for the review of local government to examine its role and seek greater transparency. He also suggested holding referenda before major spending was undertaken.
Mr Hide said while councils may include spending plans in annual reports, they did not tend to campaign on spending issues during election campaigns and it was hard for ratepayers to have influence.
A recent Internal Affairs report found income from rates would increase 47 percent over next decade, and debt would double to more than $10 billion. However, drivers were price and population increases and compliance costs plus community expectations about services provided.
Asked earlier in the year if core services would include art galleries, swimming pools and council flats, Mr Hide said they would "up to a point".
He said councils were investing a lot of money in quite risky ventures and gave examples of Lotto shops, banks, hotels and property development.
Prime Minister John Key has said what local councils spent their money on and how much they spend was up to them, and he did not support capping their expenditure.
http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/5722085/librarians-worry-about-local-government-review/