Government visitor checks out changing libraries
A Government visitor arrived to check out Warwickshire's library services last week.
Clare McGread who works for the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) wanted to see examples of the good work being done and hear about Warwickshire’s plans for library ‘transformation’.
Clare is working on a Government review that will shape a new ‘vision’ for the public library service. Ayub Khan, Head of Libraries (Strategy) for Warwickshire, invited Clare to visit the county.
Ayub is a member of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals and one of 12 elected ‘councillors’ who represent CILIP at a national level. As part of this role, Ayub is amongst a think tank of advisers exploring new initiatives for the Government review.
The informal visit took Clare to Leamington Library in the Royal Pump Rooms. She also saw Warwickshire’s award-winning fleet of mobile libraries and was taken on a ‘virtual library’ tour. The visitor was very interested in an innovative partnership with the BBC which provides broadcasters with a permanent base in four Warwickshire libraries.
Later in the day Clare visited Kenilworth and Whitnash to see two of Warwickshire’s one-stop-shops, which combine libraries with other local services. Clare also wanted to hear how Warwickshire plans to develop library services that are more relevant to modern lifestyles and the internet generation.
"Clare knows only too well that libraries across the nation have seen their footfalls and issues decline in recent years," said Simon Robson, Interim Head of Libraries,
Learning & Culture for Warwickshire.
"Increasingly people source information via the internet, and not from their local libraries. However, there is some good news. In Warwickshire the number using our online library services has doubled and continues to rise."
"We were able to show Clare that Warwickshire has already made significant strides forward with online services, some Sunday opening, shared locations and friendlier-looking libraries," said Ayub. "She knows we must continue moving forward, through a time of even tighter budgets, as the recession bites."
Finally Ayub said the DCMS is currently seeking comments and suggestions from anyone interested in the future of the public library service. Please visit: library.review@culture.gsi.gov.uk to make your views known.