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Library machines marching to the beat of gobbledegook
• RUTH Gorb wittily dissected the verbiage in which Camden’s plan for the future of libraries is enshrouded (Forum, September 17).
Gobbledegook indeed. It forecasts what will be in place next April, one month before the local elections. Resistance against the march of the machines, which will replace many staff, is useless. Perhaps the gobbledegook is intentional, an attempt to put off electors reading through the plans?
Whatever, it will cost millions and valued staff will be sacked. How do they now measure the effect on the morale of those remaining?
Is the Public Library Users Group getting “into bed” with councillors?
Their function should be to represent users’ interests in the service, and to emphasise the value of the present dedicated and skilled staff now employed.
Turning branches into entertainment centres and children’s playgrounds is not acceptable. Those functions are provided elsewhere. Due to the great amount of debt and a fall of revenue in central government, cuts in funding will happen after the next general election. So, do not waste money on expensive machines.
It is disappointing that Councillor Flick Rea has championed these plans, as she was an active supporter of libraries when in opposition.
Skip Murphy
Prince of Wales Road, NW1
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