Issue - meetings

To consider the report and advise on priorities for the next stage of implementation of the Libraries Strategy.

(15 minutes report presentation; 25 minutes questions)

Claire Skeates, Client Development Manager (Libraries), Liz McMillan (Library Services) and Geoff Elgar (Essex Libraries) introduced the report to the Panel detailing the progress made against the five year Libraries Strategy that had been approved by Cabinet in September 2009.  In addition, the Panel also considered the performance of the Library Service following the first year of the five year contract with Essex County Council, and priorities for the future.

The Panel noted the six priorities behind the Strategy, and the improvements in stock discounts through the new contract along with the introduction of self-service issues/returns, increased opening hours, online facilities and greater accessibility through joined up working between services which have combined to improve the overall customer experience.

The Panel discussed the decline in visitor numbers and book issues, which was part of a national trend, but noted that some of the newer libraries in Slough, such as Cippenham had improved in these areas.  Claire Skeates confirmed that the focus for the remaining three years of the Strategy would be increasing visits, maintaining stock, developing partnerships, further improving opening hours, reducing costs, improving IT services and the full integration of community hubs, such as in Chalvey.

The Panel considered the impact the road works in the centre of Slough might be having on the visitor numbers for Central Library which have fallen, and was of great concern.  It was felt that the drop in numbers could not all be related to the road works, and asked what additional work was being done to reverse this trend.  Members were informed that this was part of a historic trend in visitor numbers, and that the older building did not provide an engaging environment.  However, the increase in online users along with improvements to IT equipment and small refurbishments could make the Central Library more user-friendly. The installation of the museum along with museum displays in the library will also improve visitor numbers.

Members discussed the use of the library by students and how the libraries could engage with this group of users.  The Panel also stressed the importance of using the lessons learned from successful libraries like Cippenham, although this was aided by Big Lottery funding, and Langley for other developments such as the Britwell Hub and The Curve.

Looking service-wide, the increase in online usage, along with both Langley and Britwell libraries doing well demonstrated that the staff were providing the right service, with the freeing up of staff through the use of self-service helping with this.

Resolved:

1)  to note the good work that has been done to date to improve the Libraries Service, and the successes of the satellite libraries at Cippenham and Langley; and

2)  that the Panel’s comments would be incorporated into the upcoming review of Libraries.