Computer threat to libraries

Library chiefs believe a worrying fall in demand can be linked to the cuts in funding in recent years.

And John Hodgkinson, who is in charge of book lending in Burnley, Pendle and the Ribble Valley, has also warned of the threat posed by the Internet and computer technology.

According to latest figures, the number of books taken out by borrowers fell across the region.

Demand in the Ribble Valley decreased by more than 10 per cent and by 12 per cent in branch libraries in Burnley.

Pendle has also been badly hit but Burnley's remodelled Central library attracted 10 per cent more readers.

The service is facing further cuts of around £500,000 and no new books were bought in the first part of the year.

Opening hours have also been reduced across the region.

Mr Hodgkinson said: "Last year I said I feared for the future if we did not give people a decent supply of books and if we did not open at times convenient to them. "Throughout the year we have made strenuous efforts to encourage current and new customers but there is a limit to our resourcefulness in the face of these large scale reductions.

"If we do not invest in the service the damage could be permanent."

Mr Hodgkinson also warned about the dangers of the computer screen replacing the printed word.

He said: "The case for the printed word seems to be weakening, for although more books than ever are being published fewer people are reading them.

"We are now competing against a whole range of leisure and home study facilities based on the new technologies.

"The speed and pace of life has quickened and reading is a solitary personal activity. We must continue to promote its importance and invest in its future."

On a brighter note, a customer survey carried out across East Lancashire gave librarians top marks for helpfulness and courtesy.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.