A welcome attendee was Peter Beauchamp, Chief Library Advisor to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. In all, ten speakers presented papers, all arguing passionately, for the recognition of the worth, impact and relevance of public libraries in the newly emerging social and political climate. The feeling that we are poised on the brink of a truly defining moment was eloquently articulated in the opening paper, presented by Grace Kempster. Grace argued that public libraries are perfectly placed to be a major player in social inclusion, the current political 'big idea'. We are facing a new beginning, not only in terms of information technologies available to us but a 'new' learning culture.
Public library can be at the heart of digital delivery of local government information.
She emphasised the fact the public libraries can and should be leading the way, showing the government what can be done. Following this battle cry from Grace was Paul Martin, speaking on his experiences as a survivor of local government reorganisation. Paul is, since 1st April, Director of Community Services with responsibility for libraries, for the new Unitary Authority of Peterborough. The weekend's theme of resurrection was obviously a powerful theme in this context. Paul gave a balanced account of the new opportunities that have emerged from the reorganisation and some of the dangers that can be associated with small, insular and parochial services.