Tim Coates talks with Talis about Public Libraries
In this Talking with Talis podcast, I talk with Tim Coates. This is the first in a series of podcasts looking at the landscape of opinions about the future of public libraries.
Tim’s history is as an author and bookseller - he was with WH Smith, and became Managing Director of Waterstone’s.
Over the last few years he has become very well known for having strong opinions about, and proposals for, the way the public library service in England should be structured and run. Tim produced the report “Who’s in charge - Responsibility for the Public Library Service” in 2004, which sparked much debate, that is still rumbling on today.
Listen Now
Download MP3 [55 mins, 38Mb]
During the conversation, we refer to the following resources:
- Tim’s blog The Good Library Blog
- Talis Cenote
- Who’s in charge? - Responsibility for the Public Library Service [pdf]
- DCMS - Department for Culture, Media and Sport
- House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee Report, March 2005: Public Libraries [pdf]
The debate about the future of public libraries in England is at times a passionate one, with the protagonists often having greatly differing but no less strongly held views. With this series of podcasts I am attempting to provide a balanced view of those opinions and the people behind them. To that end I have approached the MLA and others with an invitation to record a conversation. Whilst awaiting responses and scheduling recordings I would love to hear from others who believe they have something to add. Contact me (richard.wallis@talis.com) if you want to suggest a possible interviewee, or wish to be considered yourself.
The conversation with Tom Coates was conducted by telephone on Friday 8th June 2007, edited in Audacity.
Technorati Tags: Tim Coates, Public Libraries, England, MLA, DCMS, Library, Podcasting, Talis, Talking with Talis
January 9th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
hi,
I am sorry to get in touch this way but am having no luck with the Gool Library Blog and I feel publicity needs to be given to this issue. I used to work for Trafford Library Sevice but left because I could see the writing on the wall but many of my good friends are still there. The Council is continuing to amalgamate the service with its Council Information Service(Trafford Direct) with staff having to apply for new roles within this service and with no guarantee of employment. It would appear according to the article found at
http://www.thisischeshire.co.uk/news/traffordnews/display.var.1870107.0.libraries_set_to_merge.php
that this will benefit the library service.
In this time of opportunity for libraries to become exciting places for books and reading when will Councillors learn that diluting the services is not the way forward. I now work for a book chain beginning with W but still care passionately about libraries and reading.
Help
Jackie Hatton