I recently attended a libraries roundtable meeting with numerous key stakeholders in the libraries sector including the CEO of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, the CEO of the British Library and the co-chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries, as well as others to discuss the future of libraries in this country.
As the Minister with overall superintendence for libraries I know the huge contribution that they make to communities up and down the country and I want to see them succeed and remain important parts of everyday life. Libraries are not just places where people borrow books but also provide other key community services- making them invaluable community assets.
To support libraries across the country I recently extended the Public Lending Right scheme to e-book authors - meaning that authors are now eligible for payment in the same way if their works are borrowed electronically as they are with physical books. E-lending in public libraries has risen dramatically in the past six years with 6,750,000 works being borrowed last year electronically. By extending this right, we are helping libraries to thrive in the modern, digital age. I had a very positive meeting with stakeholders from the libraries sector and I hope that we can work together to help ensure the future of libraries.
Specifically with regards to Northamptonshire, the situation in the county with libraries is less than satisfactory. The matter is being tested in the courts and is also subject to assessment under the 1964 Libraries Act; in view of the fact that I was so critical of the Council before I became Minister with responsibility for this area I have felt it necessary to recuse myself, as the Libraries Minister, from the case in Northamptonshire so that another minister can deal with the issue.
The former Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) did previously announce, however, that the Department will be investigating NCC’s plans for the future of library provision in the county and I look forward to the conclusion of this.