answer text |
Section 1 of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 places a duty on the Secretary
of State to superintend, and promote the improvement of, the public library service
provided by local authorities in England, and to secure the proper discharge by local
authorities of the functions in relation to libraries conferred on them as library
authorities by or under this Act. There are a number of steps being taken to support
my Right Hon. Friend the Secretary of State to meet this statutory duty. This includes
close monitoring by the DCMS of developments relating to proposed library service
changes throughout England and regular engagement by Ministers and Departmental officials
with the library sector stakeholders to identify key issues. In addition, Arts Council
England, the development agency for libraries, provides support and development to
the libraries sector and collaborates and discusses with the relevant stakeholders
to identify challenges and opportunities for libraries.
|
|