Volunteers to Save the Libraries?

Statistics were released last week following a survey into the public response to the proposed closure of several of Camden's libraries. The survey followed an announcement by the council that they would need to save ï¿¡1.6 million through cuts in the local libraries.

    The survey questioned library users, and needless to say, the majority did not want any of Camden's libraries to close, to the extent that they would volunteer themselves if it meant the libraries staying open. Other suggestions to save money and prevent libraries having to close were to reduce opening hours and to increase fees.

     Needless to say, such measures could save the council the desired figure, but of course, the survey has been met with criticism. One library user was quoted on Ham&High's website as saying 'The council has plucked this figure of ï¿¡1.6m out of thin air.' Her claim was that if the public don't know the full financial details of the situation, how are we meant to form an opinion as to how to save money?

    It seems however, that volunteers will be the way that the council leans to save the required funds. There seems to be a concern attached to this solution however. Will the quality of service be at the level expected? And also, how many of the 36% of those who took part in the survey who said they would personally volunteer, would actually do so if they opportunity were offered to them. It's easy to tick a box, but a lot harder to act upon it...