NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY STANDARDS

1 The Public Library Standards were launched in 2001 with an initial three year life. In September 2004 the Council received a report on progress to date. This progress was reported to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for evaluation and the overall assessment was 3 (good). Within the overall 3 the County Council scored 4 (excellent) for corporate vision and ambition for the library service and 4 (excellent) for local targets. Good progress towards meeting the unmet, was noted.

2 The new standards have been divided into two types and simplified. The first type are impact measures; these are still under development and have yet to be announced.

3 The second type comprise a suite of measures for performance across core activities. Some of the original standards have been dropped or amended but those for opening hours, electronic work stations and book stock remain as before.

4 The Executive Member has agreed that the County Council should continue working towards the Public Library Standards.