Library Modernisation spending cuts in the Public Sector

Yes there is bad stuff ahead, but let’s not be too downhearted…

It’s a pity to see that the Library Modernisation Project has been shelved. The £12m fund would’ve enabled many libraries to take advantage of many new opportunities – it seemed 2010 was the year for change. But now it looks like libraries will have to do more with less.

Libraries have told us that budget was the major obstacle for bringing in more diverse online services. Fortunately for us, Theory Test Pro and GoCitizen were reported as highly cost effective programs and represented excellent value for money.

If what libraries need is budget, and what has just been slashed is money, well, it doesn’t look overly promising.

The impact here is that the momentum built up from the possibility of being able to offer great online and digital services through the public sector may be lost. The drives and initiatives taken up by libraries could be stalled and eventually, we’ll could all be back at square-one wondering “what happened there then”? The same five copies of out-of-date theory test question manuals on the shelves when unlimited numbers of people could remotely access fully updated versions online with Theory Test Pro.

Engaging traditional library services and printed text with digital, online content is vital to growing a strong library community structured around learning for all.

I hope that libraries are still able to embrace the principles of the modernisation program  as best they can. Free, unlimited, 24/7 access to online resources is at the core of our product. And it’s nice to have it confirmed that we’re doing pretty well in terms of price too- surely this is great news for libraries looking to stretch the budget.