An insightful analysis of LSSI by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
http://cupe.ca/updir/Trends_in_Private_Libraries-_FINALsc_17OCT2011.pdf
see also
http://libraryworkersunion.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Private company to run Osceola County libraries - My Fox Orlando | Florida : 12th December
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/osceola_news/121211-private-company-to-run-osceola-county-libraries
Osceola County Commissioners voted Monday night to turn over control of the county's library system to a private, for-profit, company.
"The county's former library director, Ed Kilroy, spoke out against the privatization at the board meeting. He fears the savings just won't add up.
"I think what we're going to find as they get further into the contract, I think there are going to be some unintended consequences that they are not aware of, nor have they truly vetted it," Kilroy said."
"One retired librarian who worked in Osceola County for 16 years, is concerned about her former co-workers.
"I hope things will continue as they have been, but for some it will be hard on the employees," said Vicki Edy."
"Osceola County leaders say all the current employees will stay and be able to keep their seniority and state benefits, but will have to reapply for their jobs."
Osceola County Commissioners voted Monday night to turn over control of the county's library system to a private, for-profit, company.
"The county's former library director, Ed Kilroy, spoke out against the privatization at the board meeting. He fears the savings just won't add up.
"I think what we're going to find as they get further into the contract, I think there are going to be some unintended consequences that they are not aware of, nor have they truly vetted it," Kilroy said."
"One retired librarian who worked in Osceola County for 16 years, is concerned about her former co-workers.
"I hope things will continue as they have been, but for some it will be hard on the employees," said Vicki Edy."
"Osceola County leaders say all the current employees will stay and be able to keep their seniority and state benefits, but will have to reapply for their jobs."
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Cities see benefit in library transition—Really…? Not really - Save Santa Clarita Libraries
http://savesantaclaritalibraries.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/cities-see-benefit-in-library-transition-really-not-really/
Simi Valley City in California are pushing hard to privatise their library system before the AB438 Bill comes into force on 01/01/12, the bill would require them to undertake a cost-benefit analysis and to engage with users and the wider community. You have to ask yourself what is going on, why are cities and authorities behaving in this manner, what has happened to accountability, openness and fairness?
Simi Valley City in California are pushing hard to privatise their library system before the AB438 Bill comes into force on 01/01/12, the bill would require them to undertake a cost-benefit analysis and to engage with users and the wider community. You have to ask yourself what is going on, why are cities and authorities behaving in this manner, what has happened to accountability, openness and fairness?
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Campaigners win pledge to review library ‘privatisation’ - Henley Standard 5/12/11
http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/news.php?id=1021164
"THE “privatisation” of Wargrave library is set to be reviewed.
It was agreed that a review would be held after the competitive dialogue process has taken place to take account of public feeling."
Yet more backtracking by Wokingham Council?
"THE “privatisation” of Wargrave library is set to be reviewed.
It was agreed that a review would be held after the competitive dialogue process has taken place to take account of public feeling."
Yet more backtracking by Wokingham Council?
Monday, 28 November 2011
Save the UK's libraries? It's beyond me, admits US guru - Independent - 28/11/11
"An American library firm that entered the UK market to great fanfare earlier this year has had to beat a retreat, admitting that the attempt has been tougher than expected.
Well it looks as if LSSI have pulled the plug on their UK aspirations, they have obviously underestimated the level of protest and disinterest here. Their last hopes were pinned on Wokingham, now backtracking, and Croydon/Wandsworth, who don't seem to have any clear plans anymore, in fact they are in a complete pickle! I don't think we should drop our guard completely, they still intend to "continue forging relationships with local authorities" and we still have trusts and volunteers to contend with!
Well done to everyone who campaigned against them, we all deserve a pat on the back.
I'll need to find something new to blog about!
A slug of judicial reviews and lack of tenders by local authorities, which are nervous of outsourcing their library services to independent providers, were among the reasons cited."
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/save-the-uks-libraries-its-beyond-me-admits-us-guru-6268882.htmlWell it looks as if LSSI have pulled the plug on their UK aspirations, they have obviously underestimated the level of protest and disinterest here. Their last hopes were pinned on Wokingham, now backtracking, and Croydon/Wandsworth, who don't seem to have any clear plans anymore, in fact they are in a complete pickle! I don't think we should drop our guard completely, they still intend to "continue forging relationships with local authorities" and we still have trusts and volunteers to contend with!
Well done to everyone who campaigned against them, we all deserve a pat on the back.
I'll need to find something new to blog about!
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