MLA

In the present economic climate, as local authorities face difficult decisions about their library services, the MLA believes that short-term solutions could be counter-productive.

Over recent years, many library services around the country have embarked on a programme of sustained improvement. However without an awareness of national guidelines, including The Public Libraries and Museums Act (1964), and a clear vision of how a library service can benefit communities through a comprehensive and efficient service, local authorities run the risk of producing a flawed change process.

A well-run library service can deliver vital services to all sections of the community not just in its traditional roles of introducing the young to the habit of reading and tackling literacy issues, but in may other ways, such as assisting jobseekers, helping people acquire new skills, creating a space for adult learning, acting as a hub for community information and with digital inclusion. There are also many ways to improve service delivery which can all strengthen the library service and bring value for money, for instance co-location, integration with colleges, children’s centres and one-stop shops.

Before a decision to introduce change is made it’s important for local authorities to know about the models of good practice that exist and to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The MLA can give practical assistance and authoritative strategic advice to help local authorities to achieve this, including research and evidence (see case studies below).

Key themes

The case studies showcased here illustrate how change has been managed in practice and how changes to the library service have come only after a careful analysis of the local authority's priorities. There are a number of key themes that have been consistently identified from successful case studies including: a clear vision; a needs assessment of local community priorities; an impact assessment based on consultation and data collection and the management of process that includes advocacy, communications and evaluation. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like assistance or to explore any of these opportunities further.

President of the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL), Fiona Williams, said: "These pages were developed following consultations that MLA had with SCL and the library sector. They will be a very useful resource for those delivering a library service that works for every community. SCL believes that local authorities should use all such resources to identify and implement good practice."

October 2009