U.K.To Issue New Library Standards
Staff -- Library Journal, 2/19/2001
New standards for public libraries in the United Kingdom will go into effect in April, with three years for libraries to comply. The standards will cover, among other things, location, hours, electronic access, and staff qualifications. Said Culture Secretary Chris Smith, "Whilst many libraries already provide a high level of service, there is room for improvement. Last December we announced a big improvement in the quality of annual library plans. But we need to monitor performance as well." Until now, there have been no standards to underpin the 1964 law that requires library authorities to provide "comprehensive and efficient" service.
