GROWING IMPORTANCE OF INTERNET ACCESS TO LIBRARY USERS

Visits to public libraries last year increased by one percent, despite a two percent fall in borrowing books. Figures published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy also show that the number of computer terminals in libraries in the UK rose by 7% in the past year. The CIPFA figures suggest increased online and electronic resources for public library users may explain the rise in visitor numbers while lending has fallen.

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DATA SHARING CRUCIAL TO IMPROVING PUBLIC SERVICE STANDARDS

Failure by public bodies to share personal data has been identified as a major barrier to improving customer care. Research to support the Prime Minister’s policy review announced in October 2006 suggests that to bring customer care in the public sector up to the best private sector standards it will be necessary to make changes to the law on data sharing. The research also indicated that in some cases internal procedures, including overzealous data sharing rules, prevent sharing of customers’ personal details.

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A survey of councillor views on the White Paper ‘Strong and Prosperous Communities’ by the Municipal Year Book, found that 80% of respondents disagreed with the proposal to vest all executive powers in the mayor or leader. Those in favour of retaining the present arrangements argued that to change in this way would result in too much power for one individual and further reduce the power of back bench councillors. Those supporting the proposal said that that the current leader and cabinet model does not work and the change would give more accountability.The survey also showed that 67% of councillors were not surprised with the content of the White Paper, but 64% felt that important issues had been omitted. Finance was seen as the biggest issue which was not addressed. Other issues omitted were a greater devolution of powers and the voting system, including the use of proportional representation.

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