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Asset transfer in libraries

Lookup NU author(s): Deborah Forbes

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).


Abstract

This paper explores the transfer of six libraries from local government control to management and delivery by volunteers; termed ‘asset transfer’. The catalyst for transfer was cuts to local government budgets. Campaigning groups opposing closure had to quickly change to ones capable of adopting a new legal entity, preparing a business plan, running a facility and delivering a library service. This could be considered as pressurised associative democracy. A positive outcome has been the greater responsiveness to local needs. A concern is the sustainability of these transfers, in terms of volunteer commitment and long-term economic viability. Transfer of these facilities represents a transformation of the library service, but this may only be possible in areas where volunteers have high levels of social capital.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Forbes D, Nichols G, Findlay-King L, Macfadyen G

Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)

Publication status: Published

Conference Name: 2015 Voluntary Sector and Volunteering Research Conference

Year of Conference: 2015

Print publication date: 09/09/2015

Online publication date: 07/09/2015

Acceptance date: 01/06/2015

Date deposited: 15/12/2015

Publisher: NCVO/VSSN

Notes: The paper was awarded the Campbell Adamson prize, for the best paper submitted to the conference


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