Journal of Library Science in China. 2015, (01) Core

The Survival and Development of UK Public Libraries under the Global Financial CrisisChinese Full Text

Zhou Lihong;Huang Ruhua;Tim Zijlstra;School of Business and Economics,Loughborough University;

Abstract: This paper discusses the survival and development of the public libraries in UK under the current global financial crisis, as well as the severe problems of public funding cuts, public library closures, staff loss and significant decrease in service quality. Specifically, this paper discusses the emergence, development and current situation of UK library crisis from three main perspectives, namely, the UK government, the library community, and the general public. This paper aims to articulate and provide useful indications and suggestions for the development of public libraries in China.This paper adopts an inductive interpretive philosophical lens and is developed based on systematic retrieval, critical review and analysis of the existing literature. The analysis was performed in four theoretical perspectives: the outburst of the global financial crisis, societal changes under the impact of the economic recession, political response and change, as well as the influences on UK public library and library service.In order to obtain both holistic and in-depth understandings, the literature review includes academic articles, statistics and official reports published by the UK government, public reports and announcement published by various professional associations（ such as the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals）, and relevant news articles and comments on major newspapers and web portals in UK. All articles selected were published since 2008 and were carefully screened.The literature review shows that public libraries in UK performed very active and positive roles in the financial crisis. The public libraries not only offered professional education and training sessions to the public, but also provided hope, courage and spiritual support to people. Furthermore, public libraries have become " shelter in hard times" and an indispensable foundation for the stability and recovery of the UK economy.Nevertheless, in order to respond to the financial crisis, the UK government has established and implemented a series of strategies, which aimed at reducing public investments and which included substantial public library funding cuts. Therefore, more than 600 public libraries have been forced to close and the number of library staff have been decreased by 5 300 approximately. Moreover, the library service quality has declined significantly and thus can barely satisfy users’ requirements and demands.In order to resolve the emerging problems in the public libraries, the UK government performed a wide range investigation. In May 2013, the government published a reformation plan for the public libraries, entitled as " The Library of the Future". In this plan, the UK government proposes four priorities to be achieved in the following ten years. The four priorities are: exploring innovative library operation and management mechanisms, encouraging and reinforcing the collaboration with local communities, leading the implementation and adoption of digital technological development, and transforming the traditional roles of librarians.The public library crisis in UK indicates that the development of public libraries not just requires diligent and persistent contributions made by the librarians, but also needs constant supports from the general public. It is also important that government should adopt a correct view on the core value of public libraries in the social, economic and technological development. Also, government should provide stable and consistent political supports to the development of public libraries.Moreover, public libraries should be able to identify and analyse external influences on the library operation and management, as well as should be capable of mitigating and resolving potential negative impacts from the external environment.

Keywords：

Public library.UK.Global financial crisis.Library management.Library development;

DOI：
10.13530/j.cnki.jlis.150002
Series：
Subject：
Classification Code：
G259.561

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The Survival and Development of UK Public Libraries under the Global Financial CrisisChinese Full Text

Zhou Lihong;Huang Ruhua;Tim Zijlstra;School of Business and Economics,Loughborough University;

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