Radical modernisation is required for English libraries if they are to remain relevant, Culture Minister Margaret Hodge has said.
Ms Hodge said free access to books was still the cornerstone of the library.
But library customers were looking for something more than previous generations were, she said in a consultation paper.
“Sweeping advances in technology… mean they must move with the times to stay part of the times,” she said.
“Sleepwalking into the era of the iPhone, the eBook and the Xbox, without a strategy, runs the risk of turning the library service into a curiosity of history like telex machines or typewriters,” she added.
The consultation paper included 30 essays offering different views from people including authors Tracy Chevalier and Michael Rosen and Starbucks managing director Darcy Willson-Rymer. (84 pages; PDF)
Access the Complete Article BBC Article
Access the Complete Consultation Paper: Empower, Inform, Enrich – Consultation document (84 pages; PDF)
See Also: BL’s digital destiny (What PC? via OANet)
Richard Boulderstone, director of e-strategy and information systems at the British Library, has a lot in his plate. He’s developing BL’s online and IT strategy, implementing digital media projects and services, and delivering digital applications. He shares his vision and fears with Archana Venkatraman.
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