Development of the residents’ protest campaign against the closure of public libraries in the UK

― a case study in Lincolnshire ―

Abstract

In the UK, municipal finances have been under pressure since the Thatcher administration initiated a policy of fiscal cuts. Public services such as libraries have been cut one after another. This study analyses an intensified residents’ campaign against cuts in public library services（library campaign）in Lincolnshire. Furthermore, it clarifies the roles of the people and organisations involved in the campaign and the characteristics and limitations of the movement. This study’s methodology was as follows: First, newspaper articles, administrative documents such as Lincolnshire County Council（LCC）council minutes, judicial review decisions, and the websites of campaigning organisations were examined. The examination focused on the residents’ campaign group Save Lincolnshire Libraries（SLL）activities. The series of campaigns and processes were examined in detail. Additionally, interviews were conducted with two key SLL members on 11 February 2015, following the 2014 Judicial Review ruling. Using Tarrow’s perspective on the political opportunity structure of social movements, the analysis revealed three features. First, the campaign was led by two types of organisations: the SLL, which campaigned across Lincolnshire, and local groups, which campaigned for the survival of libraries in individual areas, both of which received support from UNISON（public sector trade union）, the Library Campaign, central government politicians, and prominent figures. Second, demonstrations, lobbying, the internet, public opinion, petitions, and judicial reviews were used to lobby the policy-making process. Third, the environment was politically unstable due to the rise of the nascent Independence Party and the intense conflict between the ruling and opposition parties, which made it difficult for the two sides to reach a compromise.