Presentation by Cath Anley (District Manager KCC)
Followed by an opportunity for discussion and questions.
Minutes:
Libraries Transformation – Sue Sparks, Strategic Manager, KCC Libraries
Libraries are continually trying to improve their offer, such as introducing online ebooks. The efficiencies are set against the need to have face to face presence in local libraries but also the statutory duty to have a comprehensive service. KCC are also trying to find huge savings.
Libraries have entered a process of engaging with local residents and members to discuss how we can do things differently and with less money. For example, we are looking at options of relocating libraries into partner premises (eg parish councils, schools, doctors surgeries) or partners moving into library premises (eg parish council clerks) who are then able to give out books. Also, local communities can run services on behalf of the Council, only if local people feel they could.
We are starting a discussion and want to engage. There is plenty of information online to start. We want to work with elected members in each Locality. Anything that is going to change will come back for consultation.
Questions
Ann Allen – please could you give the people an idea of the range of different things you do?
Sue Sparks –There are 99 libraries across the whole County. We lend many books, which people can reserve; also audio-visual resources, DVDs, CDs etc and public access computers. Libraries offer many activities, can help with bus passes and share spaces with other agencies. There are volunteers to help get people online, to register births and deaths etc. We are expanding the offer in Dartford.
Q. What level of savings needs to be made in Dartford?
A, There’s no set amount for each borough. We will look at what can be saved, looking for opportunities across the County.
Q. The Local History service has deteriorated but should be maintained in a good state.
A. Big savings have been made and the service can’t be operated in the same way as before. There are staff allocated to this but they are stretched. The Centre in Maidstone is very important. .
Christoph Bull – Volunteers help with the material at Dartford but the service is not as it was, although more fortunate than some places.
Q. Concerns raised about the partnerships idea – will it include commercial businesses?
A. Don’t know. We have had interest from social enterprises. We would be interested in talking to everyone but needs to meet standards that will be acceptable at no greater cost.
Q. Is there a chance of a 2 tier service like Bexleyheath – bronze, silver, gold and you have to pay for the silver and gold?
A. We would be unhappy with this. Have some charged services such as DVDs. There are no signs from members that this would be the intention.
AvtarSandhu – There is nothing planned on this front. We want to keep universal services.
Q. How will partnerships help to save money?
A. Every idea will be different so cannot tell at this stage.
Q. Is this affecting just the small branches only?
A. These might be the ones that work better.
Q. What happens if the plans don’t come to fruition, are there plans to close any libraries?
A. We are not planning to close any at this stage. If KCC doesn’t make savings in the Libraries service, those savings will need to be found elsewhere.
AvtarSandhu – Let’s make it work. We need to change with the times and no one is planning to close libraries