Past neglect and future promise: the condition of UK public libraries now and over the last 20 years Available to Purchase

The decline in public libraries in the UK during the years of the previous Conservative Governments is demonstrated and its legacy of neglect and low morale described. The policies of the Labour Government since 1997 are discussed and initiatives of relevance to public libraries examined. The role of public libraries in the delivery of lifelong learning, within the ICT revolution both for commerce and government, and most particularly in relation to social inclusion, is discussed and advocated.