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Autumn 2008 case studies

Our work supporting improvement and promoting excellence spans museums, libraries and archives.

We hope these case studies will inspire and challenge others to be more creative and aspirational in what and how they serve individuals and communities.

Camden's refugee work placement

Forging links between the library service and refugee groups

Camden's innovative Refugee Work Experience Placement programme has enabled refugees to gain skills that will help future career chances.

> Read more about Camden libraries

Leicester champions diversity

Reflecting diversity through a new approach to staff and users

Leicester Libraries and Information Services has delivered an ambitious new strategy taking on board its complex multi-cultural society.

> Read more about Leicester libraries

Suffolk libraries health focus

New vital patient information

When the Department of Health invited pilots for its ‘Information Prescriptions’ initiative only one was manage-led by a library service – Suffolk.

> Read more about Suffolk libraries

New Black Country standards

Black Country libraries go family-friendly

The Black Country Libraries Partnership has developed a new set of standards to ensure families receive a warm welcome and support.

> Read more about Black Country libraries

New community library in Bury

From semi-derelict shop to community hub

Getting the local community involved has transformed a council estate and provided a model for further community libraries in the Borough.

> Read more about Bury libraries

Time to give in Kent

Kent libraries lead the way in volunteering

How a new 'Time2Give' initiative has encouraged local people to become actively involved in the library service as volunteers

> Read more about Kent libraries

New marketing in Norfolk

Effective library marketing draws crowds

Launching an audience-driven marketing campaign sees Norfolk’s libraries become some of the busiest in the country.

> Read more about Norfolk libraries

Sandwell libraries go local

Libraries 'open to all' in the community

Developing a new management process has seen Sandwell libraries engage with all of their local community, whatever their ethnic group.

> Read more about Sandwell libraries

Check out Westminster

New fast service for library users

How a “supermarket” style library service complete with check-in/check-out kiosks attracted local time-pressed office workers

> Read more about Westminster libraries

Creating a new Wigan Trust

Charity begins at home for Wigan libraries

Constrained by Government spending limits, Wigan Council decided the only way to improve its libraries was to set up a charitable organisation.

> Read more about Wigan Trust libraries

Walsall libraries regenerate

New landmark library succeeds

Residents, local organisations and businesses take an active role in the modernisation of the new Bentley library

> Read more about Walsall libraries

Teenagers take over Knowsley

Creating a space for young people

Getting local teenagers involved in transforming an area in the new Halewood library see young peoples' library use soar

> Read more about Knowsley libraries

related links

  • best practice

    MLA’s best practice case studies are designed to inspire the sector and provide evidence of how museums, libraries and archives actively contribute towards meeting the varied needs of local communities.