This document discusses four paradoxes facing libraries: whether the financial crisis is bringing new audiences, if legislative frameworks enabling libraries are being used proactively, if changing politics is bringing new allies, and if envisioning the core purpose addresses real issues. It proposes adopting a framework to accelerate progress. Specifically, the document suggests that libraries should design services for their hardest to reach users, seek tipping points for breakthrough change, implement big enough interventions through partners, and showcase evidence of good practice in surprising symbolic venues to attract new audiences and mainstream positive messages loudly.

1. Whose Library?
SUE CHARTERIS FOR SCL SEMINAR, 20 June 2013

2. Introduction
 A question and
 Four paradoxes to address:
 Finance crisis bringing new audiences?
 Legislative frameworks enabling, but are we using them
proactively?
 The changing nature of politics, bringing new allies?
 Envisioning sets the base but are we getting to the
core?
 Adopting a framework change approach

Four propositions to accelerate progress

3. 1: Finance crisis bringing new users?
 ‘Finance experts warn poorest will be hit hardest by spending
review’
 ‘CAB calls on councils to help cash squeezed residents'
 ‘Councils urged to block access to payday lenders’
 ‘Growing inequality in children's health, warns JRF
 Public Health reports on differential life expectancy shocks
Health Minister
 ‘NEET’s let down by public transport’
 ‘Closures of children’s centres gathers pace’
 ‘Poor white children doing worst at school’……..

4. 2: Moving from defensive use of legislation

5. 3: The nature of politics is changing

6. 3.A. Bringing new allies?

7. 4: Envisioning: both core purpose and real issues

8. So what does this mean?: Four propositions

9. 1. Design the service for the ‘hardest to help’

10.  “ You have to focus on the non- user, and you
have to passionately own the problem. You
can address the barriers, only when you
own, not shift the problem.”
Dr. Venkataswamy, Aravind

11. 2. The tipping point for breakthrough change

12. 3. A package of big enough interventions
 Work with partners to:
 Go big time as providers of on line skills and support
 Build an apprentice programme for libraries, and attract in
new skills from Gen Y
 Design some symbolic and iconic interventions to attract
new audiences in surprising places

Show off: mainstreaming evidence of good practice

13. Surprising and symbolic venues:

14. To win new audiences

15. Where you least expect them!

16. Shout your positive messages more loudly

17. Thank you! Suecharteris@equalvalue.org