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The library and archives are being saved and the collections will remain accessible. Seeing this outcome after all the uncertainty brings me such relief because our history is finally being treated with the respect it deserves. We need to stay vigilant to ensure these archives are properly maintained for future …

May 5, 2008

Royal College of Midwives Library closure

Royal College of Midwives Library closure

🏆 Won — 292 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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brenda w.
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Someone
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Someone
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Jean D.
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Lucy M.
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Gary B.
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Julie R.
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Someone
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DONALD M.
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P.M. N.
+282 more
Started by Anonymous 18 years, 7 months ago
In December 2007 a decision was announced via a small paragraph in the news section of the RCM Midwives Journal to close the College library and archives for 18 months. This involved making the librarians redundant and putting the stock into storage. We, the undersigned: 1)Object to the lack of consultation regarding this decision and the short notice given; 2)Object to the sudden withdrawal of an established service to the membership; 3)Deplore the College's failure to plan for relocation of the collections, and consequent needless loss of access to an important specialist library and archival research resource; 4)Deplore the failure to inform the President, Vice-Presidents and members of RCM Council of the decision; 5)Urge the senior management of the College to consult widely with the membership regarding future plans for the services as a matter of urgency; 6)Request the reinstatement of an information service of comparable scope and quality at the earliest possible opportunity.

Updates

Reached 250 supporters

March 5, 2008

February 26, 2008

The stories coming in from midwives who relied on these archives for their research are heartbreaking. I am still waiting for the senior management to acknowledge why they hid this decision from the very council members responsible for our professional standards.

February 19, 2008

Seeing one hundred people sign this shows I am not the only one mourning the loss of our history and professional resources. It feels like the College is trying to sweep our archives into a closet but your signatures force them to look at what they are throwing away.

Reached 100 supporters

February 19, 2008

6 Comments

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David Okafor
18 years ago Featured

The lack of communication from management is shocking. Put it back!

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Emma Ford
18 years ago Featured

So much for a professional organization. Closing the archive is a huge step backwards for all of us.

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Mark Mendoza
18 years ago Featured

Ridiculous decision to do this without even telling the council. Librarians deserve better than this.

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Sarah Nair
18 years ago Featured

This is completely ridiculous. How are we meant to keep up with research without these resources? We need answers.

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Julie Murphy
18 years ago Featured

I used this library throughout my training and it was a lifeline. You cant just lock away history like that

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Karen Walsh
18 years ago Featured

TOTAL DISGRACE. They didnt even ask the members what we thought. Reopen the library now.