Introduction to the UK Economy and Public Policy

 


Our class's first educational UK experience was a lecture presented by Tim Wood, a behaviorist and consulting partner. He provided an overview of the country's current political and economic climate. After providing this foundation, Wood briefly discussed libraries. The earliest public libraries in the UK were located in Norwich in 1608 and Bristol in 1613. There are several privately owned and curated collections available to the public with restricted access. The Chartered Institute of Libraries & Information Professionals is the UK's equivalent to the American Library Association. Similar to the US, libraries in the UK are feeling the affects of low funding. They are operating on reduced hours and volunteer labor. The UK is experiencing falling literacy rates and libraries are attempting to bridge access barriers with collections in buses and converted phone booths.

(As an aside, I was shocked to learn that the UK's water industry is privatized. Wood recommended that we remain careful about the water we drink so as to avoid getting sick.)

I look forward to receiving copies of the presentation slides and further researching some of the topics that were mentioned. Things that I remain curious about include:
  • how can/ are libraries be/ being used to stimulate economic growth or literacy?
  • how are UK libraries funded?
  • what similarities and differences are there between UK and US book mobiles and little free libraries?
  • how do UK libraries serve the unhoused population, immigrants, and those dealing with mental health issues? How does it compare to the role of libraries in the US?  

Relevant links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-wood-14b57121?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app 

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