Tim Coates
@tim-coates1.bsky.social
Tim Coates is a former head of Waterstones and other major book companies. He is a consultant for public and academic libraries in the US and the UK and the author of the Freckle reports on public libraries. He is a published writer of English history.
Perhaps you could include the Year of Reading campaign?
Happy New Year to #Librarians and friends of libraries!
We know you will already be deep in planning for the rest of 2026 but if you need added inspiration take a look at our Universal #Library Offers calendar.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/universal-li...
We know you will already be deep in planning for the rest of 2026 but if you need added inspiration take a look at our Universal #Library Offers calendar.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/universal-li...
January 2, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Perhaps you could include the Year of Reading campaign?
The serious movement to improve the quality of book shops that happened in the 1980's was brave, honourable, well conducted and has proved enduring and successful. It took place in many countries and has been sustained, in the US as Barnes and Noble, in the UK as Waterstones.
January 2, 2026 at 9:04 AM
The serious movement to improve the quality of book shops that happened in the 1980's was brave, honourable, well conducted and has proved enduring and successful. It took place in many countries and has been sustained, in the US as Barnes and Noble, in the UK as Waterstones.
Reposted by Tim Coates
I don't think 'Empowering Impact' - whatever it is supposed to mean in English - is a very clear or inspirational slogan. Can you think of something else that might not just work for sledgehammers?
January 1, 2026 at 1:01 PM
I don't think 'Empowering Impact' - whatever it is supposed to mean in English - is a very clear or inspirational slogan. Can you think of something else that might not just work for sledgehammers?
Reposted by Tim Coates
I don't agree - it is the reduction on emphasis on books that has caused the very serious decline in the use of public libraries over a long term. A library IS a place for books, but the number of books in US public libraries has fallen by 160m in 12 years.
December 31, 2025 at 9:04 AM
I don't agree - it is the reduction on emphasis on books that has caused the very serious decline in the use of public libraries over a long term. A library IS a place for books, but the number of books in US public libraries has fallen by 160m in 12 years.
Reposted by Tim Coates
I think there are reasons why people have lost trust in public libraries and it would be good if both the profession and those who give them support (like Sage) began to understand what these reasons are and address them properly. Libraries are not universally good.
December 27, 2025 at 5:28 PM
I think there are reasons why people have lost trust in public libraries and it would be good if both the profession and those who give them support (like Sage) began to understand what these reasons are and address them properly. Libraries are not universally good.
There could be no better case study of failure in government than 'the single digital presence' for public libraries. Government paid for and asked 'the sector' to devise a sensible plan. Many millions were spent, but all the sector bodies ensured was that it wouldn't affect them.
These evasions by @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social @cilip.bsky.social @librariesconnected.bsky.social and @ih1968.bsky.social are missing the central point of the role of both the organisations which they are trying to defend
It is shown here
It is shown here
December 20, 2025 at 6:25 PM
There could be no better case study of failure in government than 'the single digital presence' for public libraries. Government paid for and asked 'the sector' to devise a sensible plan. Many millions were spent, but all the sector bodies ensured was that it wouldn't affect them.
This graph shows failure, complete, if the service you are paid to provide is increasingly ignored by the public, as it is.
Yet in government, that doesn't seem to matter if your friends in the department that pays for you, will support and excuse all the shortcomings - as they do. ACE and the DCMS
Yet in government, that doesn't seem to matter if your friends in the department that pays for you, will support and excuse all the shortcomings - as they do. ACE and the DCMS
These evasions by @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social @cilip.bsky.social @librariesconnected.bsky.social and @ih1968.bsky.social are missing the central point of the role of both the organisations which they are trying to defend
It is shown here
It is shown here
December 20, 2025 at 5:52 PM
This graph shows failure, complete, if the service you are paid to provide is increasingly ignored by the public, as it is.
Yet in government, that doesn't seem to matter if your friends in the department that pays for you, will support and excuse all the shortcomings - as they do. ACE and the DCMS
Yet in government, that doesn't seem to matter if your friends in the department that pays for you, will support and excuse all the shortcomings - as they do. ACE and the DCMS
Reposted by Tim Coates
These evasions by @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social @cilip.bsky.social @librariesconnected.bsky.social and @ih1968.bsky.social are missing the central point of the role of both the organisations which they are trying to defend
It is shown here
It is shown here
December 20, 2025 at 5:34 PM
These evasions by @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social @cilip.bsky.social @librariesconnected.bsky.social and @ih1968.bsky.social are missing the central point of the role of both the organisations which they are trying to defend
It is shown here
It is shown here
It's interesting to explain exactly what @cilip.bsky.social have got wrong for the benefit of @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social . They
-allowed 'localism' to destroy the effect of the 1964 Act
-failed ever to understand the right balance between technology and printed books
-neglected training
-allowed 'localism' to destroy the effect of the 1964 Act
-failed ever to understand the right balance between technology and printed books
-neglected training
CILIP have a nerve to think they have any clout after standing by all the while the destruction of public library infrastructure has been rampant.
December 20, 2025 at 9:15 AM
It's interesting to explain exactly what @cilip.bsky.social have got wrong for the benefit of @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social . They
-allowed 'localism' to destroy the effect of the 1964 Act
-failed ever to understand the right balance between technology and printed books
-neglected training
-allowed 'localism' to destroy the effect of the 1964 Act
-failed ever to understand the right balance between technology and printed books
-neglected training
Reposted by Tim Coates
CILIP have a nerve to think they have any clout after standing by all the while the destruction of public library infrastructure has been rampant.
December 19, 2025 at 9:29 PM
CILIP have a nerve to think they have any clout after standing by all the while the destruction of public library infrastructure has been rampant.
The arrogance of this statement from @librariesconnected.bsky.social @ih1968.bsky.social is beyond belief.They have been reviewed by a serious, experienced senior politician, with ministerial experience in the sector - and - without evidence except their own opinion, they tell her she is wrong.
Complete nonsense. @margarethodge.bsky.social is absolutely right to observe that the 'Development role' for public libraries (and bodies like @librariesconnected.bsky.social) have been an ineffective waste of money for at least a decade. If there is to be a central sector, it needs new direction.
December 19, 2025 at 12:39 PM
The arrogance of this statement from @librariesconnected.bsky.social @ih1968.bsky.social is beyond belief.They have been reviewed by a serious, experienced senior politician, with ministerial experience in the sector - and - without evidence except their own opinion, they tell her she is wrong.
Reposted by Tim Coates
Complete nonsense. @margarethodge.bsky.social is absolutely right to observe that the 'Development role' for public libraries (and bodies like @librariesconnected.bsky.social) have been an ineffective waste of money for at least a decade. If there is to be a central sector, it needs new direction.
December 19, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Complete nonsense. @margarethodge.bsky.social is absolutely right to observe that the 'Development role' for public libraries (and bodies like @librariesconnected.bsky.social) have been an ineffective waste of money for at least a decade. If there is to be a central sector, it needs new direction.
Reposted by Tim Coates
That just shows that whoever was at the 'library sector round table' with Mrs Hodge and the review team, had no contact with the reality of what has happened to public libraries over the past 20 years
She (Mrs Hodge) does have, because, for a while, she was the minister responsible.
She (Mrs Hodge) does have, because, for a while, she was the minister responsible.
December 16, 2025 at 5:46 PM
That just shows that whoever was at the 'library sector round table' with Mrs Hodge and the review team, had no contact with the reality of what has happened to public libraries over the past 20 years
She (Mrs Hodge) does have, because, for a while, she was the minister responsible.
She (Mrs Hodge) does have, because, for a while, she was the minister responsible.
In trying to help public libraries reputation among local people, we have stopped using Dewey classifications that mean nothing to most patrons and instead encourage library staff to shelve books by looking at them properly and using simple BISAC book industry names to display them in a helpful way.
From drafting clear policies to rallying champions and protecting academic freedom for library workers, these Intellectual Freedom sessions provide the grounding you need to navigate your library's challenges with confidence and clarity.
#ALAVirtual26 Claim your spot now! https://bit.ly/3KGo4Ze
#ALAVirtual26 Claim your spot now! https://bit.ly/3KGo4Ze
December 12, 2025 at 8:32 AM
In trying to help public libraries reputation among local people, we have stopped using Dewey classifications that mean nothing to most patrons and instead encourage library staff to shelve books by looking at them properly and using simple BISAC book industry names to display them in a helpful way.
This is complete total nonsense. Within it are all the reasons why hardly anyone uses public libraries any more
There is no merit in 'surprising you' - what they should aim to do is to provide the service that you expect in a welcoming and efficient way.
There is no merit in 'surprising you' - what they should aim to do is to provide the service that you expect in a welcoming and efficient way.
Why your local [public] library might surprise you www.artscouncil.org.uk/blog/why-you... great piece from Luke Burton of The Arts Council
Why your local library might surprise you
Luke Burton blogs about why hyper-local libraries might surprise communities with what they have to offer.
www.artscouncil.org.uk
December 11, 2025 at 5:44 PM
This is complete total nonsense. Within it are all the reasons why hardly anyone uses public libraries any more
There is no merit in 'surprising you' - what they should aim to do is to provide the service that you expect in a welcoming and efficient way.
There is no merit in 'surprising you' - what they should aim to do is to provide the service that you expect in a welcoming and efficient way.
This report has no evidence at all. It ends up as the faux sociology we have seen from #libraries for over 20 years and which has ruined public libraries in many countries. Very few people in the UK, Germany the US and others actually go to libraries. For that there is a lot of evidence.
14 European case studies on the multi-faceted role of public libraries for;
- including everybody
- democracy & engagement
- economic resilience
cordis.europa.eu/article/id/4... CORDIS
- including everybody
- democracy & engagement
- economic resilience
cordis.europa.eu/article/id/4... CORDIS
December 11, 2025 at 12:22 PM
This report has no evidence at all. It ends up as the faux sociology we have seen from #libraries for over 20 years and which has ruined public libraries in many countries. Very few people in the UK, Germany the US and others actually go to libraries. For that there is a lot of evidence.
I know that my view is deeply unpopular in the #library community but this initiative and approach to public libraries, described below, is consistently and persistently absolutely wrong for public libraries
It will reduce numbers of users and eventually cause councils to cut funds in all countries
It will reduce numbers of users and eventually cause councils to cut funds in all countries
Brilliant to be part of the @librariesconnected.bsky.social led partnership with @goodthingsfdn.bsky.social and looking forward to capturing the learning & good practice with @leilabaker.bsky.social
We are pleased to announce a grant from @ukgovernment.bsky.social's Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund to lead a landmark digital inclusion programme.
Enabled by DSIT, it will be delivered with @goodthingsfdn.bsky.social and @wsacommunity.bsky.social.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Enabled by DSIT, it will be delivered with @goodthingsfdn.bsky.social and @wsacommunity.bsky.social.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
December 11, 2025 at 11:37 AM
I know that my view is deeply unpopular in the #library community but this initiative and approach to public libraries, described below, is consistently and persistently absolutely wrong for public libraries
It will reduce numbers of users and eventually cause councils to cut funds in all countries
It will reduce numbers of users and eventually cause councils to cut funds in all countries
If you know of any Yorkshire choirs who might like to sing these - please pass them on; (words and scores available)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xRt...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdQ1...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xRt...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdQ1...
December 8, 2025 at 10:32 AM
If you know of any Yorkshire choirs who might like to sing these - please pass them on; (words and scores available)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xRt...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdQ1...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xRt...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdQ1...
Spell it out. In 12 years @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social @cilip.bsky.social @librariesconnected.bsky.social @artscouncilengland.bsky.social have not achieved
- a Single Digital presence
- a Digital book service
- any increase in public library use
and have watched funding fall and libraries close.
- a Single Digital presence
- a Digital book service
- any increase in public library use
and have watched funding fall and libraries close.
sky.social
December 6, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Spell it out. In 12 years @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social @cilip.bsky.social @librariesconnected.bsky.social @artscouncilengland.bsky.social have not achieved
- a Single Digital presence
- a Digital book service
- any increase in public library use
and have watched funding fall and libraries close.
- a Single Digital presence
- a Digital book service
- any increase in public library use
and have watched funding fall and libraries close.
Immense breakthrough in public libraries yesterday, in which we can see that the current arrangement of systems and suppliers produces completely wrong collections of books and puts the public off - and how it can be put right. In the US. Very pleased.
December 4, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Immense breakthrough in public libraries yesterday, in which we can see that the current arrangement of systems and suppliers produces completely wrong collections of books and puts the public off - and how it can be put right. In the US. Very pleased.
Two extremely good meetings with librarians in the US this week. Growing understanding that the most important asset are the book collections; and 'acquisitions' are not a filter of what publishers produce, but rather they are the way to make the library collection closer to what people want to read
Empowering England’s next library leaders: #NewSkills for the Future Library Leader is built around two modules: Digital Skills & Futures Literacy. We want 1000 participants from England’s public libraries trained by March '26. #ACEFunded. Sign up today: www.cilip.org.uk/future-libraries
November 13, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Two extremely good meetings with librarians in the US this week. Growing understanding that the most important asset are the book collections; and 'acquisitions' are not a filter of what publishers produce, but rather they are the way to make the library collection closer to what people want to read
Library professionals are really surprised when they are shown how their methods of collection management over a very long time have produced collections of books that are not those that people want to read.
The big concern is that public libraries have lost their attraction for adults (they do lots for children). All the programs, services and makerspaces are hardly used. Use by adults has fallen apart over 15 years. They still have a good public reputation, but very few people use them.
November 6, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Library professionals are really surprised when they are shown how their methods of collection management over a very long time have produced collections of books that are not those that people want to read.
The big concern is that public libraries have lost their attraction for adults (they do lots for children). All the programs, services and makerspaces are hardly used. Use by adults has fallen apart over 15 years. They still have a good public reputation, but very few people use them.
In the US, public libraries where I am working have plenty of money, but they are losing patrons simply because, by miles, they don't have the books people want, and books are, overwhelmingly, the reason for coming to the library. Digital books don't solve the problem.
The UK is a long way behind
The UK is a long way behind
November 6, 2025 at 10:20 AM
The big concern is that public libraries have lost their attraction for adults (they do lots for children). All the programs, services and makerspaces are hardly used. Use by adults has fallen apart over 15 years. They still have a good public reputation, but very few people use them.
In the US, public libraries where I am working have plenty of money, but they are losing patrons simply because, by miles, they don't have the books people want, and books are, overwhelmingly, the reason for coming to the library. Digital books don't solve the problem.
The UK is a long way behind
The UK is a long way behind
November 6, 2025 at 8:43 AM
In the US, public libraries where I am working have plenty of money, but they are losing patrons simply because, by miles, they don't have the books people want, and books are, overwhelmingly, the reason for coming to the library. Digital books don't solve the problem.
The UK is a long way behind
The UK is a long way behind
November 6, 2025 at 8:40 AM
In the US, public libraries where I am working have plenty of money, but they are losing patrons simply because, by miles, they don't have the books people want, and books are, overwhelmingly, the reason for coming to the library. Digital books don't solve the problem.
The UK is a long way behind
The UK is a long way behind