2 April 2003
Dear Dr Wozniak
As you are aware, your current period of exclusion from public library premises in Devon is due to be reconsidered on or about 10th April 2003. I am accordingly writing to let you know that from this date, you may resume normal use of Devon libraries, so long as you agree to be bound by the following three conditions:
You will:
1. Comply with Devon Library and Information Services' Byelaws, Rules and Regulations, its Policy for Displays, Posters and Leaflets in Libraries, and if using library computers, its Public Access Computers Acceptable Use Policy Few other people comply with all these rules and if they were enforced to the letter, the library would have few borrowers left. There is no reason I should be expected to sign this. It is a deliberate and calculated provocation.
2. Behave in a reasonable and courteous manner towards library staff and with consideration for other library users. This includes respecting people's privacy and not attempting to look at computer screens that are in use, either at the counter or in public areas. Mrs Osborne is once again acting as judge and jury as to what is reasonable. I have never done anything unreasonable - apart perhaps from drawing attention to the inadequacy of her management! It is her refusal to do what she is paid to do and answer questions posed in the public interest that remains at the heart of this whole dispute.
If every library borrower who ever got slightly cross with library staff was banned there would be few borrowers left. Add the fact that people could be banned under byelaws for damaging a book (happens all the time), damaging a video (ditto), damaging a cassette (ditto) or a CD (ditto) and you could close down the library service. Mrs Osborne is here proposing far greater adherence to byelaws for one person just because I would prove more than a match for her in any reasoned debate (in which she has steadfastly refused to engage, perhaps because she is a coward.)
A further point is that there is so much 'difficult' behaviour towards library staff (especially in libraries such as Sidmouth where borrowers want everything yesterday) that staff go on special courses (at public expense) to teach them how to defuse situations! Again, there is no good reason why I should accede to this provocation. It is calculated to intensify and prolong the dispute and that is exactly what is going to happen. As for 'respecting people's privacy', this dispute originated in part from the abject and calculated failure of DCC to afford any privacy to anyone - including snooping on encrypted banking files.
In addition, being 'required not to look at computer screens at the counter' is laughable. The real point is that ever since the Data Protection Act was introduced, screens used by staff should not have been able to be viewed by members of the public and they should not have displayed confidential information. The whole set-up in Devon reeks of incompetence. What I am being asked to do is not gather evidence of the incompetence of Devon County Council despite the fact that I am forced to pay for them!
3. Not attempt to raise policy questions about the public access computer provision with library staff. Ah yes, not being allowed to ask a question - the hallmark of democracy and open government in action. When will the next raft of expensive glossy leaflets be produced (at public expense) extolling the virtues of our democratic and listening councillors and officials?
On the third point, I fully understand that you are dissatisfied with the NOF public access computer set-up in Devon and indeed elsewhere in the country, but I do not propose to continue corresponding with you on this (because you would be seen to lose each and every argument?), and I have instructed staff likewise not to do so.
The introduction of this level of access has inevitably had an enormous impact on library services across the county (mainly because people like you didn't bother to do your job properly and think it through),
and current provision is still in its early days (how could current provision be anything else?),
with work continually underway to refine and improve it. Rubbish. I offered to redesign the computer layout in Sidmouth to afford excellent privacy and you did not even answer my letter. It would have cost about £1000, probably much less. Later, you authorised spending a truly absurd sum (£15,000) on minor alterations to this library that have had very little, if any, benefit for the public. You appear to be such a coward you have failed to answer any of the letters in the press on this issue. Also, you have not responded to the challenges on this website, preferring instead to block access on staff computers. Incidentally, I know far more about buildings than you do and I probably know more about computer systems. After all, it would be difficult to make an even worse mess of the layout and specifications of PN computers in Devon.
Whatever its present imperfections, public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive (most people perceive anything that is 'free' as a good thing, especially if you put words into their mouth. Does your level of analysis not progress beyond that of a child?)
and there is no doubt that a great many people are benefiting immensely. Rubbish - try reading and understanding some proper analysis. Your inflated hype sounds more like the type of drivel we have come to expect from Resource or NOF Press Offices. Is it the best you can do?
Please confirm your acceptance of the conditions set out above by endorsing the enclosed copy of this letter and returning it to me using the stamped addressed envelope supplied. (Reply unsuitable for family viewing)
Yours sincerely
Lynn Osborne
Lynn Osborne
Head of Library and Information Services