§ Mr. MacGregorasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the cost of producing "The Staffing of Public Libraries", Volumes 1 and 2 (Library Information Series No. 7); and what have been the practical results and use of the report.
§ Mr. OakesThe cost of the underlying research and of the publication of the report was approximately £59,500 less the proceeds of sale. For the first time the report provides a basis for assessing staffing requirements for libraries, and makes recommendations which enable library108W authorities to see whether they are using professional manpower for work which can be carried out by less highly qualified staff. Present public library staffing costs in England and Wales are about £85 million annually, and library authorities, faced with the consequences of the recent reorganisation, should find the recommendations of great value in the current circumstances of pressure on costs.