Dorset Libraries have invested £1.3m to installRFID iequiopment n their 34 libraries, resulting in average over 80% self issue (95% in larger libraries).

For more detials see this article in IWR:

http://www.iwr.co.uk/academic-and-humanites/3010368/How-Dorset-County-Council-transformed-library-services-with-RFID-technology

DCMS announced yesterday that MLA will be wound up by April 2012

MLA has released this press release in response: http://www.mla.gov.uk/news_and_views/press_releases/2010/mla_gov_announcement

For a report of the conference held at the Belfry Hotel, Nottingham in June, see this report from Gail Stuckey, Wiltshire Libraries whose attendance was sponsored by SWRLS. http://www.swrls.org.uk/assets/Fil%20Interlend%20Report%202010.pdf

Photos of the new hamworthy Comunity Library, Poole have been added to the SWRLS Flickr Account.

To view them click on Photo Gallery and choose Hamworthy Community Library

Ed Vaisey,Culture Minister, has launched a support programme for (public) libraries. For the full speech and further details of the joint MLA and LGA scheme see:

http://lglibtech.wikispaces.com/The+Modernisation+Review+of+Public+Libraries

Following the DCMS Modernisation review, Unison launched an inquiry into public libraries and now publishes its report. http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/19151.pdf

Cyprus Well and Cilip SW have aranged this free event at Exeter Central Library to showcase the Man Booker Prize.

For further details see:  http://www.swrls.org.uk/assets/man%20booker%20cyprus%20well%20cilipv2.pdf

Places are limited, so book now!

DCMS made the following announcement on the 17th June.

As part of its contribution to reducing the fiscal deficit, DCMS are cutting £73 miliion from its budget. As a result

"The Government has decided not to pursue the £2 million (per annum) spending commitments set out in the Public Library Modernisation Review Policy statement published in March 2010. These were free internet access in all libraries and to promote library membership as an entitlement from birth. It also included extending the Public Lending Right to non-print format books, estimated at £300,000 – this has been suspended and will be considered as part of spending review in the Autumn."

Version 7 of the useful summary of lending policies in Higher Education institutions is now available here: http://www.swrls.org.uk/assets/lendingtheses-7-june2010.pdf

Thanks to Graham Titley, University of Plymouth, for keeping this document up to date.

This is the first NHS library to join SWRLS and reflects our aim to widen the membership to cover all library sectors .

The library serves staff and students at the Weston General Hospital Academy and has a useful blog with further information. Many of you may know Paula Younger, Library Manager, as someone who has run popular Web 2.0 courses and her experience is much welcomed.

Any requests for loans should be directed by email to Wnt-tr.healthcarelibrary@nhs.net