Stealthily and inappropriately DMBC is removing all current library personnel and requiring them to reapply for posts within the new structure. Now, we do not object to reorganisation in itself, although this is the fourth library restructuring within eight years we believe, rather we object to the fact that the new posts require no library qualifications (even at management level) nor do they include a children's specialist.

We have recently congratulated an invaluable member of the Library service, Chris Fitt, who in her final reorganised role, was manager: Children's Reader Development, for the whole of Doncaster. She has recently retired from this and is in much demand as a freelance consultant, which may require DMBC buying her services back as she was vital to Doncaster's schools in many guises.

DMBC are failing in their duty to ensure library provision is offered to all persons that make up their community.

By removing all staff who are willing, capable and dedicated to the information role defined by libraries DMBC is failing its duty to our children concerning their literacy and reader development and access to information; to its schools in meeting their needs. The current blueprint being negotiated regarding the next three year stage of public libraries development will seek to advance, not reduce standards of provision.

We accept that DMBC council needs reorganising, but any reorganisation ought to ensure that we improve our capacity rather than compound the problem. The Library Service has a significant role to play. We implore DMBC to ensure all library personnel are granted whatever professional development best suits them in their roles, and finally request they ensure at least one role will be a Children and Younger People's specialist. As Walter Cronkite stated "Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation."

We would like to make clear our comments result from our professional roles and personal opinion; they may or may not be the views held by staff of our schools.

Thank you

Lynne Copppendale, BA (Hons), DipIS, MCLIP, Librarian, Danum School Technology College;
Sally Dring, MA (Hons), Library Manager, The Hayfield School;
Gulay Dalkilic, Librarian, Balby Carr Sports College;
Kay Jackson, ACLIP, Assistant Librarian, Danum Technology College;
Lyn Hopson, BA, MCLIP, School Librarian, Don Valley School and Performing Arts College;
Jane Flynn, Senior Librarian, Hall Cross Mathematics and Science College;
Lesley Hurworth, FRAD, MCollT, Librarian, The Armthorpe School