The first meeting of the panel that has been established to review library services across Wales was held today.
The panel, chaired by Claire Creaser, Director LISU, Loughborough University, has been tasked by the Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths to review local authorities’ delivery plans for public library services across Wales.
The Minister said:
"In these difficult economic times, public libraries are more important than ever in providing opportunities for people to develop their skills and improve their well-being.
"We must look at innovative ways to deliver services and I’m pleased to say that there are excellent examples of best practice in Wales in terms of co-location of public services and the joint procurement of new services such as e-magazines.
"I have asked the expert panel to examine current local authorities’ plans to deliver this statutory service that makes such a difference to people’s lives.
"The review will also be a catalyst to think differently and look beyond the status quo in delivering services. Library services play an important part in communities and the panel will look at future models of service delivery."
Speaking before the Panel met Claire Creaser said:
"Following LISU’s work on developing the next public library quality framework for Wales, I am very pleased to be invited to continue to contribute towards the development of public library services, in what are very challenging times.
"The Panel will consider a range of options and identify examples of good practice in current delivery models. The aim is to ensure that the people of Wales can continue to benefit from public library services, which should be responsive to public demand, well managed, efficient and professionally run."
The expert panel will be tasked with:
- considering alternative service models to deliver a more efficient and effective library service, based on collaboration and best practice.
- reviewing the impact of the proposed changes in public library service delivery by local authorities in terms of their statutory duty to deliver a comprehensive and efficient service.
The expert panel’s conclusions will be included in a report that will be published in the summer.