Background to Framework for the Future 

Framework for the Future was published by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) in February 2003. It set out the government's vision for English public libraries over the next ten years. The report is available from the DCMS website.

The national action plan for Framework for the Future is intended to help develop public libraries into services which we would all like to see in our local communities - able to cater for our needs for reading, information and learning, for community and personal development. The plan calls on everyone involved with public libraries to strive together to ensure that public libraries can continue to deliver in the 21st century a service of high value to local communities. It concentrates on new development, building on success to date; meanwhile programmes completed in the first stage of Framework, up to 2006, will be embedded and sustained through library services and their partners.

Framework for the Future 2006-2008 action plan (Word 345KB)

Monitoring

Framework for the Future action plan report, 2006-2008 (PDF 133KB)

Some of the most significant achievements highlighted were:

• Successful Top Ten New Librarians and Innovation Love Libraries campaigns
• Development and launch of Youth Offer by Youth Libraries Board
• Library authorities supported in applying for Big Lottery funding – 58 successful in applications to Community Libraries Programme; MLA support provided to 56 of these authorities in developing Community Engagement plans 
• Baseline evaluation study of CLP by Sector Projects: published Mar 2008 
• Consultation launched on guidance for local authorities on the selection and management of a balanced stock that best reflects the needs and interests of local communities
• New public libraries performance framework developed to align with priorities of Local Government White Paper, including Culture & Sport Improvement Tool, library benchmark and outcomes framework
• Celebrating Success brought together evidence of success of Leading Modern Public Libraries Programme; total of 663 participants over life of programme 
• MLA brokered partnership between DCSF and public library sector, leading to development of Book Ahead programme and Enjoying Reading website, both funded by DCSF
• New self-sustaining model for the RevealWeb implemented

However, the following targets were only partially achieved:

• Marketing activity was largely discontinued from November 2007, apart from some Love Libraries campaigns 
• Develop an online service to revitalise reading experiences through libraries: a draft report was completed Sep 2007 but is yet to be published 

The following targets were not achieved:

• Coherent approach to access to library services for people with disabilities (to be reviewed for possible implementation 2008 as part of wider MLA disabilities work)
• Procurement of shared bibliographic services (limited priority actions to be included in new library action plan)
• One stop access for library support for children and families on the Web

Previous Framework for the Future plans, monitoring reports and progress updates can be accessed here .

Public Libraries Changing Lives

Three years after the publication of the Framework for the Future report and action plan, Public Libraries Changing Lives (PDF 585KB) looks at the achievements so far and how current programmes are building on this success. These programmes are supporting public libraries in strengthening their bonds with communities, raising their profile and working more effectively and efficiently.

Evaluation of the Framework for the Future Action Plan 2003-2006

The Tavistock Institute were commissioned by MLA to carry out an evaluation impact of the first Framework for the Future three year action plan. Findings demonstrate that participation by individual library services in Framework activities, especially leadership training and reading initiatives, has led to improvements in services, partnership working, culture and efficiency. The report also points out that the Framework vision itself has had a significant impact on library services, giving them clear direction and a sense of purpose. 

Evaluation of the Framework for the Future Action Plan 2003-2006 (PDF 370KB)

Partners

The involvement of partners is crucial to the success of the Framework for the Future action plan. These include the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment , Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals , Improvement and Development Agency , Local Government Association , National Literacy Trust , National Youth Agency , Opening the Book , Regional Agencies for Museums Libraries and Archives , Society of Chief Librarians and The Reading Agency .