It's almost as if they WANT to close libraries

As reported last week, the council has launched its consultation about the future of the library service.

Two issues have subsequently come to light.

Firstly, the paper copies that are available at West Hamsptead library and those that were sent to the councillors for the West Hampstead Area Forum last week were missing the background information that explains the questions they're asking! Councillors expressed concerns about this when we were allowed to see the (already printed) copies of the questionnaire a few days before the consultation went live. We were promised that wherever the consultation would be - the second pack would also be available. I'm following this up - see my email to the Member for Culture below.

Secondly, if you fill out a survey online - there is no way of recording your suggestions about alternatives to closures - unless you already signal your approval of closures! If you fill out a paper copy - you can simply skip the questions about which library's you want to see shut and write in your own thoughts. But you have to agree to massive cuts in service before it will let you enter any alternative suggestions on the website.

And Camden have paid consultants £25,000 for this!

All in all, very disappointing.

Dear Tulip,
cc Fiona Dean

I wanted to let you know quickly that the library consultation isn't going ahead as you planned it.

On both occasions I've seen the consultation document available to the public - it only had half of the information. The crucial briefing documents were missing at both our Area Forum last week and when I called in at West Hampstead Library yesterday. At both the colour questionnaire is available - but neither had the background figures.

The questionnaire is meaningless unless you understand the questions being asked - for which you need the figures.

As we're paying £25,000 for this consultation it amazes me that we've missed such a basic trick.

Given the reassurances you gave at the Councillor briefing and in the public meeting at Hampstead Old Town Hall, please ensure that the documentation is complete everywhere it is being handed out. I suggest that the extra document needs to be folded inside every questionnaire otherwise this will happen again and again.