A COUNCILLOR has criticised the decision to replace library reference books with an online service.

A restructure of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Library’s services by Lancashire County Council has seen the reference book section at each facility removed and replaced with an online database.

The changes will mean reference material can be updated instantly and accessed by users from home PCs.

The county council also insist the most popular books will remain at the libraries while some ‘important materials’ will be kept as county-wide loans available upon request.

They describe the changes across the county as modernising services, but a local councillor, and a leading local historian, have criticised the move.

Coun Roger Frost, a Burnley historian, does not believe the development is beneficial.

He said: “I can understand to some extent why this change has been brought about, but it may not be the right move.

“There are lots of people who are still not computer literate.

“Books are still the first source of information for lots of people, including myself.

“I do not think it is the right time for this change.”

A spokeswoman for Lancashire County Council said each district in Lancashire will also have a dedicated Community History Manager.

Julie Bell, Acting Head of Lancashire County Council's Library and Information Service, said: "The development of our online reference library means more people and every member of staff has access to high quality, reliable, up to date information through hundreds of online books and Lancashire Lantern, the community history database.

“We have invested around £11,000 in new equipment such as microfilm reader printers to ensure it meets the needs of the community now and in the future."