Roger Bowes,
Aslib,
Information House,
20-24 Old Street,
LONDON EC1V 9AP

DNH REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE

Thank you for your letter of 19 May inviting CPREF's views on the DNH review of the public library service. I am sorry that we have not been able to meet your deadline.

CPRE identifies public libraries as an essential resource in our efforts to help shape and improve environmental policy and decisions, especially at a local level. Libraries often provide the sole source of information to CPRE Branches, local groups and interested members of the public wishing to comment on planning applications, road proposals, local authority development plans and other issues which affect the environment. It is a central objective of CPRE to help people to shape the environment around them and empower them to become involved in environmental decisions. An effective public library service is essential for this.

Our concern is that libraries provide the full range of information required at an affordable price (often free of charge) in an accessible location and at convenient times. Reference and borrowing facilities should be provided free of charge and the range of reference material and opening hours need to be extended in many libraries.

We also consider libraries to have an important role to play in the delivery of many local authority services. Following a comprehensive survey of local authority practice in the provision of planning-related documents to the public we have recommended, for example, that a copy of the register of planning applications and other related documents should be provided in libraries as well as the reception area of planning departments. A copy of Public Access to Planning Documents is enclosed. This also points to the need for a wider Government review of legislation and policy regarding public access to documents as part of the Citizen's Charter and "Open Government" initiatives. We would urge the DNH to use the opportunity of this review of the library service to respond positively in this direction.

Finally, CPRE has been closely involved with the current review of local government structure. Our main concern has focused on the implications of the review for strategic land use and transport planning. It is also important, in our view, that the library service does not suffer as a result of any changes.

I hope these comments are helpful. We would welcome the opportunity to comment on your draft report.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Burton

Senior Planner

enc.