Agenda item

This report updates Cabinet on progress being made with the future library strategy following consultation with the Public during May and June 24.  It also provides Cabinet with the Needs Assessment document which has been developed to aid the evaluation of any future proposed change.

The report sets out the next phase of work to determine recommendations in relation to the future library service model and explains the connection with the wider asset management work which is underway organisationally to seek efficiencies around the corporate estate.

It is anticipated that the key elements of the future library strategy will be presented no late than end May 2025, including potential options on a site-by-site basis.

The Portfolio Holder for presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The Board was advised that the report provided an update to Cabinet on progress being made with the future library strategy following consultation with the Public during May and June 24.  It also included the Needs Assessment document which had been developed to aid the evaluation of any future proposed change. The report set out the next phase of work to determine recommendations in relation to the future library service model and explained the connection with the wider asset management work which was underway organisationally to seek efficiencies around the corporate estate. It was anticipated that the key elements of the future library strategy would be presented no later than the end of May 2025, including potential options on a site-by-site basis. The Board raised a number of issues in discussion on this item including:

·     Access to refreshments - there were many respondents dissatisfied with the access to refreshments in libraries and there was a request to have café facilities within libraries.

·     Use of online Services – it was interesting to see that the survey respondents didn’t appear to use online services very often and it was noted that perhaps access to this service versus the cost of provision could be considered

·     Survey responses – The Board welcomed the very comprehensive survey responses and noted that it was interesting to see the use of libraries within different areas. It was noted that the main reason for library visits was the books but that this was combined with other reasons.

·     Friends of Library Organisations – it was suggested that if people were given the opportunity to do this it may be welcomed. It was noted that there was assistance available to help with setting friends groups up. Community use of Libraries – Encouraging community use of libraries was a positive step but it was noted that it was important to explain and promote the size and facilities for these and also how people could book them.

·     Survey results – It was suggested that it was important to recognise that the results of the survey were not necessarily representative. For example, there were a number of resources available which could be accessed online and perhaps those responding to the consultation accessing physical libraries were different to those accessing online resources.

·     Potential change of location or co-location of services – The Board questioned whether this could mean that some of the library services would be closed. The Portfolio Holder advised that it was their ambition to retain 24 libraries across the conurbation, but individual library locations may be given consideration.

·     Budget – There were some concerns raised at the potential direction the strategy may take when proposed. It was noted that the Library services budget has been reduced incrementally overtime and it wouldn’t be possible to continue in the same vein which was why the renewed strategy was required.

RESOLVED that the Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend that Cabinet support the recommendations as set out in the report as follows:

(A)   notes the content of the report and outcomes of the Public Consultation

(B)   notes and comments on the planned tranches of work to define the service offer and the options appraisal process regarding building

(C)   approves the timescale of no later than end of May 2025 for presenting the key elements of the future library strategy

Voting: Nem. Con.