SC/11/1 Cabinet 13 July 2011
Proposals for Devon's Library Service
Report of the Head of Services for Communities
Please note that the following recommendation/srecommendations areis/are subject subject to considerationto consideration and and determination by the ExecutiveCabinet (and (and confirmation confirmation unde underr the the provisions provisions of ofthe the Council's Constitution) before taking effect.
Recommendations: That: (a) Cabinet note the outcome of an extensive consultation process. (b) Cabinet note the adoption of set service delivery criteria across Devon libraries to achieve a more equitable, transparent and consistent approach to opening hours across Devon. (c) Cabinet agree the proposals set out in section 4 to revise the opening hour schedule for Devon libraries ensuring no library closures in Devon. (d) Cabinet note the scale of investment in Devon libraries including the improvement project to Exeter Central Library.
1. Summary
This paper sets out the proposals and rationale for designing and implementing service delivery criteria and a new schedule of opening hours across fixed libraries. By implementing the new criteria for the pattern of opening hours the following will be achieved:
An equitable and transparent approach to the offer of fixed libraries’ opening hours will be established Library users and communities will have a memorable pattern of opening hours Efficiency savings within the 2011/12 budget following central Governments Comprehensive Spending Review No library closures will be necessary across Devon.
2. Background
Devon currently operates 50 fixed libraries of variable sizes. There are 526,967 registered users, with 152,971 active borrowers across the libraries although usage varies significantly across the 50 locations. Historically, the Devon library service has not applied criteria to determine the service offer, therefore the current pattern of opening hours varies largely and inconsistently across the 50 locations.
Service delivery criteria for the provision of mobile library services were agreed by Cabinet in June 2010 and enabled service managers to successfully modernise the mobile library service, reducing annual revenue costs by 16% whilst increasing service availability to rural areas. A similar approach is now proposed for fixed libraries.
This report now proposes a set of criteria in relation to fixed libraries. The introduction of service delivery criteria is an important tool in the ongoing modernisation of the library service and will enable a new, consistent schedule of opening hours which matches usage as far as possible.
3. Service Criteria
A set of criteria has been established to guide the future service delivery of fixed libraries. The framework has adopted the following criteria:
Population size – using both immediate catchment and broader hinterland catchment populations as an appropriate guide Usage levels of the library – considering when and to what extent a library is currently being used by the local community Proximity to other libraries – in some parts of the county, communities have good access to both a local library and a nearby larger library. Cost of service delivery – ensuring value for money is considered as part of future service delivery options. This will include consideration of how efficiently self-service technology can be deployed to minimise running costs and maximise access. Potential for wider community involvement in the running of the library – considering how local communities and other organisations might get more involved to maximise access to the building as a community resource. Any other relevant local factors – such as deprivation.
The criteria have been modelled against the locations where Devon has fixed libraries and this has indicated that it is appropriate to establish 5 levels or ‘tiers’ of provision in Devon:
Catchment Type of library Tier Communities population* 100,000+ City Library 1 Exeter 35,000+ Area Library 2 Barnstaple, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Tavistock, Tiverton 20,000 – Town Library 3 Bideford, Crediton, Honiton, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, 35,000 Okehampton, Sidmouth, St Thomas, Teignmouth, Totnes 7,500 – 20,000 Neighbourhood 4 Axminster, Bovey Tracey, Braunton, Budleigh Library Salterton, Cullompton, Dartmouth, Dawlish, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe, Kingsteignton, Northam, Ottery St Mary, Seaton, South Molton, Torrington Up to 7,500 Community 5 Appledore, Ashburton, Bampton, Buckfastleigh, Library Chagford, Chudleigh, Chulmleigh, Clyst Vale, Colyton, Combe Martin, Kingskerswell, Lynton, Moretonhampstead, Pinhoe, Princetown, Salcombe, Stoke Fleming, Topsham, Uffculme
*Catchment population has been based on the Family Health Services Authority (FHSA) estimates for 2010. These figures are used for the market and coastal town profiles. They include immediate settlement population figures and figures for the wider catchment or hinterland of the 29 towns (including Exeter).
4. Consultation
Alongside work on the service delivery criteria, a public consultation exercise took place from 21st March - 7th May 2011 which sought feedback on library usage from current and potential library users, library staff, the network of Friends Groups, town and parish councils and elected members.
Over 8,000 responses were received from a variety of sources across the county. The consultation focused on how people currently use their local library(s) and specifically asked which days and times, people felt they were most likely to use their library of choice.
Following analysis, the key results of the consultation provided indications of the preferred opening hours and opening days for each individual library. This data was used to inform the new pattern of hours, ensuring libraries are kept open when the public tell us their preferred usage takes place.
Other key themes from the consultation informed us that communities were very satisfied with the service received from libraries at present, were against library closures, supportive of the development and capital schemes and would like us to explore alternative usage and service options such as ‘out of hours’ drop off boxes for return of books.
An exercise was undertaken to review the 50 Devon libraries against this criteria to establish the revised pattern of hours, alongside the consultation responses. The set of proposals are detailed in the schedule set out in Appendix A.
5. Implementation
The revised pattern of opening hours is proposed to be implemented as a phased approach between September 2011 and March 2012. A statutory consultation exercise will commence with the recognised Trade Unions and staff on 5 th July 2011.
Each library will carry a four week notice period to the public to inform them of the revised opening hours. Communication of this change will be made through the following channels:
Web (DCC website) Media and press (press release in local papers, internal publications, DCC & district magazines) Printed literature (opening hours leaflets, posters and Friends newsletters) E-Information (emails to friends groups, members, Town and Parish Councils) Signage (exterior opening hour signs)
6. Investment
The Devon library service is currently investing significant resources into the 21st century modernisation programme. This programme is aimed at helping people of all ages with their reading, learning and information needs by providing great buildings, friendly staff and excellent facilities. Some major parts of this programme include refurbishment and new self-service technology that has been implemented in 6 libraries (Dartmouth, Crediton, Kingsbridge, Seaton, Dawlish, Ilfracombe), current transformation projects for Barnstaple and Newton Abbot, a new build in Cullompton and a further series of 7 libraries to have refurbishment and new self-service technology installed (Teignmouth, Honiton, Sidmouth, Exmouth, Bideford, Okehampton and Exeter Central).
Other non capital investments in the service are planned during 2012/13 and 2013/14 to promote existing services and activities, and to introduce and communicate new services. An outline of these is detailed below:
Action Description Communication and promotion of the 24 hours online library service. Access to Online library the full catalogue of books, DVDs and CDs available with reserve and renew service service option. Returns to any Communication and promotion of the current service available to return your library books to any library within Devon. Further introduction of option to return library books, DVDs and CDs to secure Drop off boxes boxes at a named point within the community such as the local supermarket. Availability to download e-books and e-audiobooks to your computer in the E-books library or at home and transfer onto your e-book device. Out of hours Availability to keep libraries open out of usual opening hours. Dedicated area opening would be open with the use of self-service. Community use of libraries out of usual opening hours. Involvement of Community volunteers to offer new activities, groups or to provide the option of increasing involvement opening hours.
7. Equality Considerations
An Equality Impact Needs Assessment (EINA) has been carried out as part of this review. The outcome of which was category 2 - 'change needed' as there is potential for negative impacts on local communities by the reduction to the opening hours. As a result the mitigating actions set out within the implementation plan will reduce the impact on communities however it is recognised that some negative impact is unavoidable to achieve the efficiency savings required in order to keep all 50 Devon libraries open.
8. Financial Considerations
The proposal for the revised pattern of opening hours will result in the opportunity for staff efficiency savings. A full year saving of £849,005 could be achieved, with an ‘in year’ saving of £283,002 for 2011/12. These figures are based on implementation of a revised structure by 6th December 2011, following formal consultation and notice periods.
There may also be an opportunity to achieve further efficiency savings through a reduction in current casual staffing costs. This would be during the period when the new opening hours are being implemented, but before the proposed new staffing structure takes effect early December. Staff capacity gained by the reduction to opening hours would be re-directed for use in other libraries where there are vacancies.
9. Legal Considerations
The changes proposed to the library service have been developed in the context of the requirements of the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ public library service.
In respect to employment legislation, the Council will undertake the required consultation with the recognised Trades Unions and staff about the subsequent likely reduction to staffing levels associated with the revised opening hours.
10. Risk Management
The proposal has been considered for risk implications and all necessary actions have/will be taken to safeguard the Council's position. John Smith Head of Services for Communities
Electoral Divisions: All
Cabinet Member for Environment and Community: Councillor Roger Croad
Strategic Director, Place: Heather Barnes
Local Government Act 1972: List of Background Papers
Contact for enquiries: Tara Hall, Project Manager - email: [email protected] Paul Brough, Interim Head of Libraries - email: [email protected]
Room No. County Hall, Exeter
Background Paper Date File Reference Nil
th230611cba Devon’s Library Service hk 02 240611 Appendix A Library Usage - Revised Opening Hours Proposal Proposed opening Current opening Tier Library Library Type hours (per week) hours (per week) 1 Exeter Central City 52.5 55.0 2 Barnstaple Area 48.0 47.0 2 Exmouth Area 43.0 48.0 2 Newton Abbot Area 43.0 46.0 2 Tavistock Area 43.0 50.5 2 Tiverton Area 43.0 47.0 3 Bideford Town 38.0 44.0 3 Crediton Town 38.0 37.5 3 Honiton Town 38.0 37.5 3 Ivybridge Town 38.0 45.0 3 Kingsbridge Town 38.0 44.0 3 Okehampton Town 38.0 41.0 3 Sidmouth Town 38.0 45.0 3 Teignmouth Town 38.0 43.0 3 St Thomas Town 35.5 41.5 3 Totnes Town 35.5 37.5 4 Cullompton Neighbourhood 38.0 25.0 4 Dartmouth Neighbourhood 33.0 41.0 4 Dawlish Neighbourhood 33.0 37.5 4 Ilfracombe Neighbourhood 33.0 40.0 4 Seaton Neighbourhood 33.0 37.5 4 South Molton Neighbourhood 33.0 32.5 4 Budleigh Salterton Neighbourhood 27.0 34.0 4 Axminster Neighbourhood 21.0 30.5 4 Bovey Tracey Neighbourhood 21.0 28.0 4 Braunton Neighbourhood 21.0 37.5 4 Holsworthy Neighbourhood 21.0 27.0 4 Kingsteignton Neighbourhood 21.0 21.0 4 Northam Neighbourhood 21.0 30.5 4 Ottery St Mary Neighbourhood 21.0 29.0 4 Torrington Neighbourhood 21.0 28.5 5 Ashburton Community 15.0 22.0 5 Buckfastleigh Community 15.0 22.0 5 Chudleigh Community 15.0 20.5 5 Kingskerswell Community 15.0 22.0 5 Pinhoe Community 15.0 18.0 5 Topsham Community 15.0 26.0 5 Appledore Community 10.0 12.0 5 Colyton Community 10.0 16.5 5 Combe Martin Community 10.0 19.0 5 Bampton Community 6.0 8.0 5 Chagford Community 6.0 8.5 5 Chulmleigh Community 6.0 15.75 5 Clyst Vale Community 6.0 6.0 5 Lynton Community 6.0 12.5 5 Moretonhampstead Community 6.0 11.5 5 Princetown Community 6.0 8.0 5 Salcombe Community 6.0 14.0 5 Stoke Fleming Community 6.0 6.0 5 Uffculme Community 6.0 8.0