Issue - meetings

Executive Board considered the attached report:-

          Executive Board had considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities, on the Library Strategy 2013/16.

          RESOLVED: That

1)    the Library Strategy 2013/16 be approved; and

2)    any further editorial changes/corrections required following the close of consultation be delegated to the Strategic Director, Communities, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood, Leisure and Sport.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities, on the Library Strategy for 2013/16.

The Board was advised that the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, required that local authorities provided “a comprehensive and efficient library service”. Although the national library standards did provide a framework at one time, local authorities were now able to determine the level and priorities of their own library service.

The Library Strategy, attached at Appendix 1, defined the priorities for the service in Halton over the next three years. Since 2009, a number of reports and studies commissioned by Government departments and other organisations considered what libraries should offer to their communities. It was noted that the Strategy took account of all previous published reports, but focused on two current documents which would influence the development of the service in the future. These were reported as Universal Offers and Envisioning the Library of the Future, as detailed in the report.

Consultation on the key elements of the Strategy would close on 30 June 2013.The Libraries Vision would be supported by five overarching strategic objectives, each with specific commitments and goals, with the priorities under each objective to be identified in the annual action plan.

Reason(s) for Decision

To outline the priorities for the library service in Halton over the next three years, to ensure the statutory responsibility is fulfilled whilst contributing to the strategic priorities of the Council and delivering the service within available resources.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Implementation Date

June 2013.

          RESOLVED: That

1)    Council be recommended to approve the Library Strategy 2013/16; and

2)    any further editorial changes/corrections required  following the close of consultation be delegated to the Strategic Director, Communities, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood, Leisure and Sport.