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[RRE]More on the British Library

``` Here's a little more on the British Library (BL) that I didn't have to hand when I sent out yesterday's note. The BL, though a public institution, has been in the forefront of efforts to privatize its resources. While most major libraries have opened their catalogues to Web access, I would guess that more of the BL's catalogues than those of any other are subject to fees. In general, its attitude recalls an old conservative Prime Minister's patrician charge that the government would sell the family silver if it could make a buck. (He, of course, was talking of the Thatcher government.)

The online fees seem unnegotiable. Charging for access to the library , however, is not a done deal. It is is a central proposal in the current "Consultative Exercise"

(http://www.bl.uk/index/index_main.html)

that will be ruled on tomorrow (8/28). For the BL to charge for access on or off line would set an unfortunate precedent for other national collections and public information resources.

Robin Alston, a former member of the BL staff who has more on this isse on his home page, tells me that "International pressure is vital".

(http://www.r-alston.dircon.co.uk/)

The Keep the British Library Free site at

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/8435/Library.html

has more for those who want more. It requests email to Britain's "Heritage Secretary", Chris Smith:

chris.smith@culture.gov.uk

and

strategic.review@bl.uk

Paul ```

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