Can new laws make public services better? Reflections on diversity legislation for libraries

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that government‐led social legislation inspired by Victorian ideals of paternalistic law‐making is still an appropriate way of intervening to promote citizenship and equity in the information society of the 21st century. However, to do so effectively is more complex than traditional models suggest and needs ongoing and energetic participation from the library and information services (LIS) profession to ensure good laws are put on to the statute book.Design/methodology/approachA detailed review of certain targeted aspects of the relevant legislation, put into the context of broad concepts of social reform from UK history.FindingsThat the outcomes of recent legislation in the area of intellectual property protection and disability discrimination have not been as beneficial as they could have been had the insights of the LIS profession been incorporated into the process of law‐making.Research limitations/implicationsThe international comparative dimension of legislation in this area could give scope for further academic research.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests ways in which the UK library and information professionals’ association, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, can be supported in its work to improve the quality of laws relating to library services and practice in the UK.Originality/valueThis paper combines a number of different perspectives – historical, informational, and legal – in an attempt to give insight on some important contemporary social and political issues of particular interest to Library and Information practitioners.