CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LIBRARY SERVICE

1 The Executive Member has considered a report covering a range of new developments aimed at improving the service to the public. In particular it sought his agreement to variations in the fees charged for the reservations service. In summary those changes were a reduction in the standard charge for in stock items from £0.85 to £0.50, and for items not in stock from £1.85 to £1.50 and an increase from £0.85 to £1.50 for subject requests. In addition a new international loans service was proposed. The Executive Member approved these variations.

2 Other significant items covered included information on consultation on stock policies including the re-introduction of a four week loan period; work on social inclusion and reducing barriers to use, and electronic access to reference books. The success of the reader development work, particularly with children and young people, was emphasized.

3 The success of the various library refurbishment schemes was reported upon with Chandlers Ford, Fleet, and Yateley all performing above expectations. Yateley, modeled on a bookshop, is particularly pleasing. The new library at Alton has been phenomenally successful with issues almost doubling compared to the old library.