Congratulating Miss Knox, who is currently Chief Executive of the South Eastern Education and Library Board, the Minister said: “The appointment of Irene Knox to lead the proposed Northern Ireland Library Authority is an important step towards fulfilling our vision of a flexible and responsive library service.
“The Libraries Bill, which I introduced to the Assembly on 11 June, will, subject to the necessary approval, seek to provide statutory backing for the establishment of the Authority which will be unique in the United Kingdom in its administration of the public library service. It will focus on delivering a modern, efficient service to library users and provide an opportunity for exciting and dynamic change.
“Miss Knox will have a pivotal role in combining the library services currently delivered by five existing authorities and developing a common approach and a common ethos for the new organisation. I know her experience in the South Eastern Education and Library Board will help her in this challenging task."
Irene Knox commented: “I am looking forward to this opportunity to work on developing the new Library Authority and the challenges this will bring.
“I realise that this is a time of change and uncertainty across the public library service. I want to reassure staff in the service that I fully recognise their valuable contribution and I will be canvassing their opinions so that we establish a Library Authority of which we can be proud.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The proposal for a single library service for all of Northern Ireland arose out of the review of public administration.
Work is underway to establish the Northern Ireland Library Authority which will administer the public library service. The new authority will put a premium on delivering a modern, efficient service to library users.
The Libraries Bill, which will seek to provide statutory backing to establish the new Authority, reached first stage in the Assembly on Monday 11 June 2007. Full discussion will take place in the Assembly in the autumn.
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