Libraries Strategic Commissioning
Strategy
A guide for East Sussex Strategic
Partnership, 05 December 2016
Contents
This guide provides an introduction to the Libraries
Strategic Commissioning Strategy for ESSP members,
including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
The purpose of the strategy
Libraries as a statutory service
The library and information service
The changing use of the service
The libraries transformation programme
How we are developing the strategy
The stakeholders we are engaging with
The commissioning timeframe
Next steps for ESSP members
Further information
1. The purpose of the strategy
The Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy aims to
create a modern library service that meets the needs of
residents within available resources.
The strategy will be based on a robust assessment of the
needs of residents of the county as a whole and within
specific communities.
The development of the draft strategy will be guided by
priority outcomes informed by the needs assessment.
2. Libraries as a statutory
service
The Public Libraries and Museums Act (1964) requires us
to provide a library service that is “comprehensive and
efficient”.
It is for local decision how the library service best does this,
including how many libraries there are, where they are and
when they are open.
The library service should be accessible to everyone using
reasonable means, including the internet, and recognising
any constraints which the County Council is facing.
3. The library and
information service
The Library and Information Service currently consists of:
- 24 libraries across East Sussex
- E-library
- Mobile Library
- Schools Library and Museum Service (SLAMS)
- East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS)
- Home Library Service
For more information about the service visit
www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries
4. The changing use of the
service
There were 1.79 million visits to East Sussex libraries last
year. 2,016,338 books were issued. 22,141 e-books were
issued. 317,977 free computer sessions were used.
But there is a declining trend in visits to libraries, locally
and nationally. Nationally it has been shown that the
decline is lower in more deprived areas.
There is an increasing trend in the use of e-books and
materials, but currently these represent a small percentage
of overall transactions.
5. The libraries transformation
programme
The Libraries Transformation Programme consists of:
- A reduction in management and ‘back office’ costs
which has already saved £500,000
- A reduction in spend on books and other materials, to
reflect changing demand and to bring us in line with
other local authorities, which will save £250,000
- A reduction in library opening hours, by around 25%
from 28 November 2016, which will save £500,000
- The Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy
which will shape the future service and aims to
identify a further £750,000 of savings or income
6. How we are developing the
strategy
We have undertaken surveys and questionnaires about
how people use our library service and what their priorities
are.
We are gathering data to help us understand what needs
people have that our library service is best placed to meet
or support.
We are talking to stakeholders and thinking with an open
mind about the best way to deliver the service in the future
to meet those needs and who is best placed to provide it.
7. The stakeholders we are
engaging with
In addition to consultation with library users we are talking
with a range of stakeholders between now and next year,
including:
- District, Borough, Town and Parish Councils
- Public, private, voluntary and community sector
partners
- Representative community groups
- Staff and volunteers within the library service
- Other services within East Sussex County Council
8. The commissioning
timeframe
In September 2017 we aim to present a draft version of the
Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy to the council's
Cabinet for approval.
If Cabinet approve the draft strategy, there will be a public
consultation at the end of 2017. The results will help us to
finalise the strategy.
We aim to present the final strategy to Cabinet for approval
in March 2018 and to implement the new service later that
year.
9. Next steps for ESSP
members
This guide is intended to provide background information to
all members of the East Sussex Strategic Partnership
about the Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy.
We will engage individually with a number of member
organisations about the local needs they represent, as well
as with relevant countywide thematic partnerships.
If you wish to make sure you are included please do feel
free to contact us using the details provided.
10. Further information
For more about the Libraries Strategic Commissioning
Strategy and the Libraries Transformation Programme visit
https://democracy.eastsussex.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.asp
x?CId=133&MId=2273&Ver=4
To get in touch with us please e-mail
[email protected] or call 01273 335165