Local Public Libraries ahead of National Strategy

The Council’s Policy and Resources Committee (21 January 2014) is being recommended to support a national strategy for public libraries in Scotland.

On behalf of CoSLA, the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has prepared a case and is recommending a national strategy to define the role of libraries and what communities and stakeholders can expect of them.

A national strategy would provide public libraries with a strong brand and core offer, with key priorities being learning, reading, information and technology, communities, and health.

By focussing on these priorities, public libraries would provide opportunities for lifelong learning, supporting employability, supporting community identity, and contributing to overall health and well-being.

A national strategy will provide clear direction and support to local public libraries, while being flexible enough to meet local needs.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has placed itself at the forefront of developing libraries by integrating libraries, customer service centres, and registration services. The 3 services will be delivered under the same roof at venues across the region.

Dumfries and Galloway currently has 24 library facilities across the region, supported by 4 mobile library routes, an online resource and a dedicated learning support team. The mobile library service provides an innovative platform for delivering library and integrated services to rural locations across the region, demonstrating the Council’s commitment to developing services.

Integration ensures that our public libraries will be at the heart of local communities, delivering services that people want in appropriate buildings, providing opportunities to make payments at more locations and moving towards cashless transactions. Reviewed opening hours will reflect user patterns. Integration has been delivered by investing in buildings, staff training, and job enrichment. The integration process started in 2013 and will be completed during 2014/15.

Councillor Ronnie Nicholson, chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, said, “Our integrated libraries are at the heart of our communities, delivering vital services in buildings that are fit for purpose, with well-trained staff offering excellent customer service. As well as the services that customers traditionally expect, we offer free internet access and support for personal research, social networking, job searches, and the challenges of welfare reform and changes to benefits.”