Information resources on the privatisation of public services, including public libraries.

I thought it might be useful to put together a short guide for anyone looking for information on privatisation, including libraries. It's a work in progress and will grow, so here goes;

UK

http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/campaigning/privatized-libraries-outsourcing-library-services - Information on library privatisation from THE public libraries information website in the UK if not the world?

http://www.speakupforlibraries.org/acrobat/PublicLibraryStandardsandGuidelines.docx - a resource list compiled by me for library campaigners, includes links to info on library privatisation.

http://www.unison.org.uk/at-work/local-government/key-issues/privatisation/home/ - the main union for library staff in the UK and a key partner in the Speak up for Libraries coalition.

http://soslibrary.blogspot.co.uk/ - Save Croydon Libraries Campaign. Croydon Libraries, along with Hounslow, Harrow and Ealing, are now managed by Carillion, a private construction firm.

http://falseeconomy.org.uk/campaigns/item/scalp-sheffield-communities-against-library-privatisation
- SCALP: Sheffield Communities Against Library Privatisation.

http://weownit.org.uk/evidence/libraries - info needs updating.


US

http://www.seiu.org/division/public-services/state-and-local/ - SEIU represent many public library staff in the US and helped organise the 'Privatization Beast' campaign.

http://www.privatizationwatch.org/ - "PrivatizationWatch is a daily news blog covering privatization, and is a joint project of Essential Information and The Center for Study of Responsive Law." US based but very comprehensive and informative. You can sign up for their daily alert service.

http://www.afscmeinfocenter.org/ - "Resources brought to you by the library at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees" - You can sign up for their daily alert service.
see also; http://www.local1321.org/

http://www.ala.org/tools/outsourcing - the American Library Association (ALA),  see especially Keeping Public Libraries Public: A Checklist for Communities Considering Privatization of Public Libraries (PDF).


International

http://www.psiru.org/ - PSIRU was set up in 1998 to carry out empirical research into privatisation,
public services, and globalisation.

 

http://www.european-services-strategy.org.uk/ - The Outsourcing and PPP Library provides analysis
and information on the consequences of outsourcing public services, Public Private Partnerships,
PFI projects and strategic partnerships.

Other useful resources/articles/reports;

http://classonline.org.uk/library/item/the-real-cost-of-privatisation - 'The Real Cost of Privatisation'

http://communitiesagainstthecuts.com/2013/04/26/seven-reasons-to-oppose-the-privatisation-of-the-library-of-birmingham/ - excellent article outlining 7 reasons to oppose library privatisation.

http://www.ier.org.uk/events/public-sector-cuts-privatisation-and-employment-rights - A conference held in 2013, see 'Conference Papers' for presentation by John Medhurst of the PCS.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/mar/12/privatise-public-libraries-cuts - article ny Neil Clark from 2011.

http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/2011/09/the-privatisation-of-public-library-services/ - article by me for VFTL from 2011.