London's libraries need to innovate

London's public libraries must take innovative steps such as rewarding regular borrowers with vouchers for travel or the cinema if they are to stay relevant to an increasingly discerning and Web-savvy population, Culture Secretary Margaret Hodge recently said. Hodge told the Association of London Chief Librarians that in order to attract the "Google generation," libraries should consider extending their hours, introducing Web-based lending service with home delivery, and striking deals with coffee chains, according to an article by Hannah Strange of the London Times.

Hodge said that libraries need to reposition themselves to remain vital in the 21st century as they face competition from the Internet, online booksellers, and other sources. Although spending on libraries has risen 17% in the past decade, the number of books borrowed has slumped by 34%, she said.

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