Conference opens book on future of NI Library Service

A three-day conference on the future of the Public Library Service in Northern Ireland is currently taking place.

Part of ‘Tomorrow’s Libraries’, an ongoing review of the Public Library Service in Northern Ireland, the conference was opened by the Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Michael McGimpsey in Newcastle.

Addressing almost 60 delegates, including librarians and representatives from Education and Library Boards, who are taking part in the three-day brainstorming session to help map out the future of the Service, Mr McGimpsey said: “Local libraries have always been stalwarts of the community and, throughout their existence, they have seen many changes. Our libraries must continue to be the backbone of information and learning for the people of Northern Ireland.

“However, for over 100 years, they have also earned a reputation for adapting to the times and today they find themselves in an age of greater change than ever before. Society is undergoing an information revolution and, while books will always be a library’s stock in trade, the new ways of disseminating information are becoming more and more important.”

The Minister stressed that as well as catering for those who read for pleasure, the Library Service also had a duty to provide lifelong learning opportunities so that people can develop their personal skills and fulfil their potential. He pointed out: “This is an essential part of the Service. In this era of constant technological development, we need to plan well ahead and devise a long-term strategy for the future. We must not lag behind if we are to help build a prosperous future for everyone in the Province.”

The conference runs until November 7 and the final report of the Steering Group overseeing the whole exercise is expected in April 2002. (AMcE)