Archived decisions

THE MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE - FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

1. The mobile library fleet in Hampshire currently consists of 20 vehicles which are all in urgent need of replacement and are becoming more difficult to keep on the road. Although book issues have fallen over the last decade the fleet is still an important part of the Library and Information service.

2. Accordingly a replacement programme for the fleet has been put into operation and the new vehicles will need to be flexible and able to adapt to future demands. They should reflect modern technology and initiatives and provide a pleasant environment for both public and staff and should be able to be operated by one person if circumstances permit.

3. It is envisaged that the replacement programme will be completed by the Spring of 2006 and will entail a reduction of the fleet by one with the current 12 traditional mobile libraries being reduced to 9 in number and the number of housebound vans being increased from 1 to 3. Housebound vans visit residential homes and some customers need to be helped onto the van or those who cannot visit the van are provided with books direct to their rooms.

4. As part of the exercise all routes and stops of the vehicles will be assessed as to viability and the pattern reorganised to reflect current demands and future needs; evenings and weekend services will need to be investigated as a possible means of extending the service to meet changing lifestyles and social inclusion agendas. A pilot scheme is underway in the north of the County with a three hour stop every Sunday which has proved successful and is well attended with a high percentage of use by children.

5. This supports Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy.

4IR1041104