Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Recreation and Heritage Policy Review Committee Item 10

13 November 2003

Department of Culture Media and Sport `Framework for the Future'; Turning vision into action for public libraries.

Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact: Richard Ward 01962 826621

1. Framework for the Future

1.1 In February 2003 the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) published Framework for the Future (henceforth "Framework") the government 's ten year vision for public libraries. This document was reported to the Policy and Review Committee's meeting on 13 March 2003.

1.2 Framework recognised that libraries need a modern mission and that they need constantly to review their activities and purpose and to ensure that they are relevant to the communities they serve.

1.3 According to Framework libraries modern mission should be based on

    - Evolution: building on libraries' traditional core skills in promoting reading, informal learning and self-help

    - Public value: focusing on areas where public intervention will deliver the largest benefits to society including support for adult literacy and pre-school learning

    - Distinctiveness: building on libraries' open, neutral and self-help culture. They should not duplicate the efforts of other public and private sector providers but complement them through partnership working

    - Local interpretations of national programmes: developing national programmes which will raise the profile of the public library service as a whole but which are sufficiently flexible to be adapted to local needs.

1.4 Framework considered that there were three central themes which should be at the heart of public libraries' modern mission:

    - the promotion of reading and informal learning

    - access to digital skills and services including e-government

    - measures to tackle social inclusion, build community identity and develop citizenship

1.5 The DCMS commissioned Resource: the council for museums, archives and libraries to prepare a three year action plan by which framework could be introduced.

2. Action Plan 2003-06

2.1 The Action Plan is based on partnership working amongst a very wide range of organisations - such as the Arts Council, the Audit Commission, the Higher Education Funding Council, the DfES, and DEFRA.. This plan will only succeed if it is supported by the 149 Library Authorities and if those authorities are willing and able to make the changes which are necessary. The Discovery Centre programme in Hampshire is a practical manifestation of the type of changes which will have to be made.

2.2 The Action Plan is supported by an investment of £3 millions over three years. This level of investment - when placed in the context of a national public library expenditure of approximately £800 millions - can only provide for investigatory projects, some start up funding and some limited schemes.

2.3 The Action Plan is divided into four work packages: Building capacity to deliver transformation; Books, reading and learning; Digital citizenship; and Community and civic values. Within these work packages are 10 strategic objectives.

2.4 Each action is designed to further one or more of the shared Local Government Association/central government priorities;

    - raising school standards

    - improving quality of life of older people, and of children, young people and families at risk

    - creating safer and stronger communities

    - promoting economic vitality - including improving adult skills

    - modernising service delivery.

2.5 Building capacity to deliver transformation: This work package is concerned with advocacy and communication; the quality of leadership and workforce skills; encouraging innovative solutions; and ensuring excellence in planning and quality assurance. Detailed strategies will be worked up to cover marketing, transformational leadership, improving skills in the workforce, developing and sharing innovative ideas.

2.6 Books, reading and learning: The strategic objectives under this heading are concerned with promoting literacy skills and a love of reading and learning. Areas covered include Bookstart, working with children and students, developing school library resources, and providing stimulating and contemporary reading experiences for adults. Work will be undertaken to ensure libraries play a role in improving adults' access to learning, and to the resources that they need.

2.7 Digital citizenship: This work package is designed to help people get access to service through the effective use of ICT, and to contribute to the e-government targets. The People's Network will be developed with new technical standards in place as well as stimulating the production of digital resources, electronic enquiry mechanisms and virtual reference libraries. Public libraries will established as a main access point for citizens to gain access to e-government services.

2.8 Community and civic values: This strand is concerned with delivering an inclusive service that reflects and helps build cohesive communities, and also looks at the suitability of library services for the twenty first century. Work will be undertaken on community involvement, work with charities such as the Royal National Institute for the Blind, and identifying and promoting good practice. Partnership working with organisations such as CABE ( Commission for architecture and the built environment) will be undertaken to improve the quality and suitability of library buildings.

3. Conclusion

3.1 Framework was the latest in a series of reports concerned with the future of public libraries in England and Wales. It is considered to be a good pointer to the future and the very detailed Action Plan proposes some sensible ways forward. Whilst it is disappointing that there is not an increased level of investment over the £3 millions which have been earmarked the Action Plan is, nevertheless, an excellent way forward and deserves support.

Recommendation

    Members are asked to support the Re:source Framework for the future Action Plan 2003-06

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

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