Cabinet to consider revised Library Service Strategy following public consultation

A strategy which sets out the future vision for library services in Shropshire will be presented to Cabinet for approval on Wednesday 10 January 2018.

The Library Services Strategy for Shropshire, 2018 to 2023, outlines the vision, objectives and priorities to help libraries across the county remain as the cornerstones of their communities.

The strategy sets out a hierarchy of library services provision, which have been categorised based on factors such as need, population, demand, travelling time and demographics, and describes how the council can meet its statutory requirements* to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons’.

Initial proposals included having six static library hubs located at urban centres and larger market towns (Tier 1), seven community libraries located in smaller market towns around the county (Tier 2) and eight community libraries located in other smaller market towns (Tier 3). Proposals also included reducing the number of mobile library stops from 354 to 277. The strategy also looks at developing library’s digital offer which includes 24-hour access, e-lending, e-resources and developing the community directory. Over the past few years Shropshire’s library service has seen a 300% rise in its digital services.

Over 700 responses were received following the recent public consultation which asked residents and organisations their views and comments about the proposals. Results showed that 89% of those who took part in the library service consultation agreed or agreed to some extent, to the vision, objectives and principles, whilst 86% agreed or agreed to some extent, with the categorisation or hierarchy of provision set out in the draft strategy.

As a result of residents’ feedback and comments, several changes have also been made to the proposals which include:

• Bringing one of the libraries (Wem) from Tier 3 up to Tier 2 status.
• Increasing the timeline for those libraries under Tier 2 to become cost neutral from 3 years to 5 years.
• Increasing the timeline for those libraries under Tier 3 to become cost neutral from 1 year to 3 years.
• Increasing the proposed number of stops from 277 up to 281. This includes includes reinstating the stops at Clive (Station Road) and Brockton, and introducing new stops at Chorley Homelands and Marton Grange.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:-

“We know that libraries are well loved and highly regarded by local communities and play a vital role in the well-being, education and health for people of all ages.

“The Library Services Strategy for Shropshire, 2018 to 2023, reflects the council’s ambition and commitment not only to ensure library services continue to flourish, but also to unlock the huge potential that library services have to impact positively on individuals’ lives.

“I am really heartened by the constructive comments received by our local communities and I would sincerely like to thank everyone who took time to take part in the consultation. We have taken these on board and as a result made changes to our strategy.”

To view the Cabinet report click here.

Further information

*Local authorities have a statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 ‘to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons’ in the area that want to make use of it.

Proposed hierarchy of library services provision being considered at Cabinet on Wednesday 10 January 2018.

Feedback from public consultation

A public consultation was carried out between 26 July 2017 and 13 October 2017. Within the consultation, we sought responses to specific proposals to reduce the number of mobile library stops from 354 to 277.

Over 700 responses were received to the consultation. 37% of respondents agreed with the vision, mission, objectives and principles set out within the draft strategy, and 52% agreed to some extent. 35% of respondents agreed with the hierarchy of provision set out within the draft strategy, and 51% agreed to some extent.