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position of the library in the local community. Childs (2006) points out
that imaginative design in a number of recent new-build libraries (e.g.
Peckham, Bournemouth, Cambridge) has caught the public's
imagination.
When there is a debate about their future it seems to focus on either
the traditionalist view of the 'book lobby', who maintain that libraries
should be all about books and not much else, and the 'diversifiers', who
believe that libraries should be more than just about books and should
broaden their offering to encompass computing, multi-media, social
space and learning programmes (Holden and Ezra, 2009). The reality
of the situation is that public libraries should respond to the needs of
the local area and the local community. In a deprived urban area, after-
school homework clubs, internet access and literacy/language
programmes might be appropriate, whereas in a remote rural area the
service might wish to attract volunteers to help extend opening hours
and provide a much-needed social and meeting space for local people.
At a more strategic level, the (UK) Commission on Integration and
Cohesion (2007) identified libraries as key partners in helping to
promote integration, helping to dispel ignorance and prejudice about
other cultures. There are many successful examples of such work, such
as Manchester's initiative with the Pakistani community or Leicester's
work with refugees as library volunteers - services tailored to reflect the
local situation. A recent report from the British trade union Unison
concludes that library service providers should work with their
communities to shape services together:
Libraries rest on a bed of goodwill from local communities. They are
valued and trusted. But much more could and should be done to involve
both the staff and the local communities in the shaping of the service.
This should involve current users, the 'Friends of the Library' and
support groups, but should also develop means of reaching out to those
who currently do not use the library as well.
(Davies, 2008)
There is clearly no 'one size fits all' model for public libraries of the
future. Many, worldwide, are developing exciting and innovative 21st-
century services for their communities. Some are becoming more like
Starbucks - providing coffee shop services alongside internet access and
traditional books and reference services. Others are working with
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