Capable communities: in from the edge
Jinfo Blog

26th February 2010

By Joanna Ptolomey

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Earlier this month the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) published the ‘Capable Communities’ report as part of the forward thinking series [http://digbig.com/5bbdhr]. So public sector reform again high on the agenda; and how apt when the UK are facing a general election. So what is in it for library and information professionals? All parties are going down the route of the empowered citizen, be that as an individual or as part of a community. They want more participation from them in the delivery of public services. This is brilliant and fine and dandy - but reality kicks in and we are a long way off from this position. There are two aspects to consider. Firstly the changing role of the professional in the way that they work and the curation of content. Secondly, the ability of the citizen to engage – and by that we are talking accessibility issues and literacy. And that my friend is ripe library and information professional territory. It was therefore timely that I am at the Edge2010 [#edge2010 on twitter] – a new major conference devoted to 21st century public service delivery [http://digbig.com/5bbdja]. On the agenda - innovation around digital inclusion, learning and e-government and especially regeneration issues. In years gone by in libraries and information services we have looked at reports like the ’Capable communities’ and said where does it mention libraries? Yup time for a another huff, no mention of the L word. But does that really matter, are we not part of a much bigger picture in public service delivery? Over the next couple of LiveWire posts I will be reporting from the Edge2010 and distilling down the key themes for public sector engagement, regeneration and inclusion. Without giving the game away too early, heck the conference is not even over - but it is good news for libraries and information professionals.

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