David Lammy MP spoke with authority and passion at his launch party in Haringey’s Marcus Garvey Library on the 13th May. As the new Minister for Culture; responsible for arts, heritage, museums, galleries & libraries; he has a great deal to be passionate about.

LLL was represented at the event and managed to grab the opportunity for a few words on the subject of government funding for non IT capital expenses (such as rebuilding, roof repair etc.) - to which the reply was that he was looking to PFI to answer some problems. In view of the chequered history of PFI projects, this will bear some close scrutiny.

The event was run by ALM, the official name now for the old Museums Libraries and Archives Council (formerly Resource.). Graham Fisher, Chief Executive in London, says that this is the final change of name. He is also keen to involve the users in discussion and promised to be in touch with LLL on regional planning for London.

It will be of some importance to know what this means. What are the chances of having some real input? Do we want to know? Are we ready to embrace the future of
libraries under the banner of technology? How could we strengthen the position of the advocates of stock improvement? What would be our priorities as users, if
we could be heard?

It will indeed be interesting to see where David Lammy heads in his new job, and what the MLA intends to do with its brief. Let us keep them in touch with the
users at all costs.

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