Library cuts in Somerset and Gloucestershire challenged – BBC News
“A High Court challenge is being launched over public library closures.”
BBC News, 23rd February 2011
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
“A High Court challenge is being launched over public library closures.”
BBC News, 23rd February 2011
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
After lengthy deliberations, the Inner Temple and Middle Temple have concluded that none of the available options for a merger of their libraries and creation of an advocacy and education centre is sufficiently desirable to warrant further investigation and implementation. We have therefore agreed to bring to an end the negotiations which have been taking place under the aegis of the Joint Collaboration Committee.
We are aware of the great uncertainties these negotiations have caused to our library staffs and the Treasurers of both Inns would like to thank them for their professionalism and forbearance over the last nine months.
Any external enquiries about this decision should be referred to the Sub-Treasurer.
Subtreasurer@innertemple.org.uk
CHEMS Consulting is carrying out a feasibility study on behalf of the Inner and Middle Temple to investigate the potential benefits of merging their two libraries and creating a Joint Education and Advocacy Centre.
One element in the feasibility study is to assess what the demand for library services is on the part of the Bar, students and other members of the Inns, and how it is currently being met. Both Inns also want to consider what services a merged library should offer its users if a merger were to proceed.
A survey questionnaire has been developed by the consultants in order to get the views of Inner and Middle Temple members and tenants and other Library users. From 29th June to 17th July the survey was available in electronic form on the Inns’ web sites and in printed form in both Libraries. Members and tenants of both Inns were also emailed about the survey. The Inner Temple results are now available on the Library’s web site. To view the results of the survey click here.
CHEMS Consulting is carrying out a feasibility study on behalf of the Inner and Middle Temple to investigate the potential benefits of merging their two libraries.
One element in the feasibility study is to assess what the demand for library services is on the part of the Bar, students and other members of the Inns, and how it is currently being met. Both Inns also want to consider what services a merged library should offer its users if a merger were to proceed.
In order to get the opinion of members, tenants and other Library users the consultants have developed a survey questionnaire. Click here to complete the survey.
I have been informed that not everyone received the memorandum sent to members on 5th May 2009. This was a notice regarding the feasibility study to be undertaken jointly with Middle Temple to investigate the potential benefits of merging our two libraries and creating a state of the art education and training centre for use by both Inns.
I am grateful to those who did receive the notice and have sent their comments to me or to the Librarian, Margaret Clay. As a result of these comments, I would like to clarify the following points.
• As part of the feasibility study, we will be engaging professional consultants to
assist us.
• The consultants will carry out a user survey and consultation process with Library users and non-users alike.
• All members will be consulted at the conclusion of the Feasibility Study before any decision is taken by Bench Table.
I say this to reassure you that no decision in principle has already been taken to implement a libraries merger programme. We are investigating possibilities only, against a background of our ongoing review of all areas of the Inn’s operations.
I hope this explains the position more clearly. Please feel free to contact me directly if you wish to ask questions or make comments.
Vivian Robinson QC
Treasurer
The Executive Committees of Inner Temple and Middle Temple have agreed to commission a feasibility study to investigate the potential benefits of merging their Libraries and creating a Joint Education and Advocacy Centre.
The study will be overseen by a working group chaired jointly by Master Jonathan Hirst for Inner Temple and Master Stanley Burnton, Deputy Treasurer, for Middle Temple.
The results of the study are likely to be available in the late summer and no decisions are anticipated until much later in the year, after full consultation with staff and consideration by the relevant Inn Committees, Bench Table and Parliament.
In particular, no assumption has been made as to which Inn would house the Library and which the Education Centre, should the project proceed.
Vivian Robinson QC
Treasurer
“An Iranian scholar who stole pages from priceless books at Oxford’s Bodleian library and the British Library has had his sentence halved.”
BBC News, 29th April 2009
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
“A businessman was jailed for two years today after admitting stealing pages from rare and priceless books at two historic libraries.”
The Independent, 16th January 2009
Source: www.independent.co.uk
“A wealthy businessman who stole pages from books in the British Library and Bodleian Library is due to be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court.”
BBC News, 21st November 2008
Source: www.bbc.co.uk