Culture, Welsh Language and Sport Committee

Policy Review - English Medium Writing In Wales

Contribution from the Society of Chief Librarians in Wales

The Society welcomes the review, and hopes that it will encourage all sectors involved in the creation, production and dissemination of English medium writing to co-operate in supporting it, and raising its profile. On behalf of public libraries in Wales, the Society would wish for the role of libraries in this area to be recognised by partners, and exploited to the full. (1) Books and writing are the very life blood of libraries, and librarians do not need to be convinced of the key role that literature plays in building a nation’s culture. Libraries are also inclusive, and the Society is encouraged by the recognition in the scoping study of the importance of cultural diversity. As well as celebrating the culture from which it emerges, one of the key functions of good writing is to make other cultures accessible, and this is the more important when those cultures are part of the country in which we live.(ii) The Society would wish to see the review make progress in redressing the under-funding of literature in the past. While the image of the penniless writer in a garret toiling over a masterpiece has a romantic resonance, equity and reality should at least ensure that writers have access to a similar level of support as is available to practitioners in other art forms. The need for support is likely to be more pressing in the case of emerging authors, and the Society would opt to promote new writing, if such a choice needs to be made. In reality, however, the distinction between new writing and "classics" can be somewhat artificial. Some new writing will achieve that increasingly overused accolade, but in order for future classics to emerge it is surely necessary that all writing be encouraged, and that a vibrant literary culture is established. Authors who are not in the blockbuster league, often comment on the pleasure they derive from the comparatively modest sums they receive from the Public Lending Right scheme. For a new writer, the number of readers who come to his or her work through a public library may well exceed those who buy it. Because of its U.K. remit, the system is unlikely to provide much reward to a writer whose books are chiefly borrowed in Wales. Perhaps consideration could be given to developing the scheme in such a way as to give better recognition to local success in finding a readership. (iii) Libraries see themselves having an important, if often under appreciated, role in the marketing of literature and writing. One of the main priorities of the public library service is to encourage and support reading, both as a pleasurable activity in itself, and as a means to other benefits. It is an obvious truism that without readers, writers cannot survive, and writing becomes a sterile activity, conducted in a vacuum. Libraries provide large numbers of these readers, often with scant support from other sections of the U.K. book industry. There is an opportunity here for a more fruitful relationship to be developed, with libraries working with the Welsh book trade under the auspices of the Welsh Books Council.(iv) Public libraries already play an important role in raising public awareness of literature and writers. As well as participating in countrywide initiatives, many organise local promotions, host reading groups and engage in reader development programmes. A comparatively modest investment could give more of a focus to these activities, raising their profile and taking advantage of the positioning of local libraries as cultural centres.The potential of accessible new technology in libraries to promote literature and writers, should also be recognised. Thanks to the Lottery funded People’s Network initiative, virtually all libraries in Wales can offer access to new computer equipment. This in turn can be used by writers, whether aspiring or established, to reach new readers in a variety of exciting and innovative ways.Kevin Smith 22 August 2003Society of Chief Librarians in Wales