LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Director of leisure Services
Rodney F Hill
Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Trencherfield Mill, Wallgate
Wigan, WN3 4EF
Telephone Wigan (0942) 44991
Telex 677341 Fax (0942) 828540
Dear Mr Myers
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL HERITAGE:
REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE
I attach initial comments on the proposed review of the public library service on behalf of the Department of National Heritage. I most apologise for the fact that I have not responded by the end of June as requested. This is due to the fact that the response is on behalf of the Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council and as such it needed the approval of Members. The Committee cycle for the Recreation and Amenities Committee is such that the proposed response was not submitted to Members until mid July. I hope that this does not in any way restrict you from giving full consideration to our comments. We look forward to future opportunities to continue to express our views as the Review progresses.
Yours sincerely
Rodney F Hill
DIRECTOR OF LEISURE SERVICES
Please address all communications to the Director of leisure
WIGAN METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL
LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CULTURAL AND INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION
DNH REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES
1.0 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
1.1 To advise ASLIB of the views expressed by officers of Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council, endorsed by Members of the Recreation Amenities Committee, on the National Review of the Public Library Service.
2.0 WIGAN'S RESPONSE TO THE REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE
2.1 Members have explored the key issues raised in the ASLIB letter.
2.2 Strengths and Weaknesses
a) Local accountability and diversity together with a range of choice in service provision at the local level are fundamental to, and one of the greatest strengths of, the Library Service
b) Accessibility of services is crucial
c) Whilst the Public Library Service is a statutory local service it has developed a sophisticated network of co-operation and interdependence; collectively this creates a Library Service of national dimensions
2.2.1 Any future legislation or national activity needs to emphasis and build on these three key strengths.
2.2.2 In addition the comprehensiveness of the Public Library Service is a strength which gives it a unique position and value within the community. In this respect it is useful to reinforce six broad areas of Public Library purpose, strength and activity:-
i) Libraries are a focal point for the local community
ii) Libraries are cultural centres
iii) Libraries are a source for life long learning
iv) Libraries provide access to information
v) Libraries encourage the creative use of leisure time
vi) Libraries provide access to a wide network of resources at regional, national and international levels.
2.2.3 The weaknesses of the Public Library Service emanate from the local discretion which is applied to the scope and level of provision and thus leads to a wide variation in the range and quality of service. This is particularly exemplified in the level of bookfund which Wigan provides locally to its Library Service; it is still one of the lowest in the United Kingdom and has a direct impact on issues and library usage. The principle of local choice also brings variability in terms of accessibility of services both through location of the library and its opening hours. The depth and range of stock and the diversity of services available also vary from place to place. Furthermore there is no mandatory requirement for Library Authorities to provide services to people with special needs. Wigan, however, places a high priority on this area of service even though it is discretionary under the terms of the 1964 Act.
2.2.4 The principle of local choice also makes the Library Service vulnerable to cuts when competing against other services for diminishing resources. The lack of agreed standards for Public Library Service provision is an acknowledged weakness.
2.3 Opportunities and Threats;
2.3.1 The opportunities and threats for the Public Library Service need to be seen in the context of external changes. Of particular importance are the developments in information technology, social and demographic factors, and the new relationships between the democratic government bodies and the communities.
2.3.2 Opportunities which present themselves include Open Learning Initiatives; the provision of information services to the public; the continuing development of the public library's role as the focal point for its community; and the expansion of the public Library as a cultural centre.
2.3.3 The threats to the Public Library Service are implicit within the present Government's policies. In particular the continuing commitment of investigating the feasibility of Compulsory Competitive Tendering for Library Services is an area of great concern. Given that co-operative networks are one of the strengths of the Public Library Service, the break- up of such structures will have a significant impact.
2.4 Indicative Issues of Substance
2.4.1 The ASLIB letter raises a number of indicative issues which are more complex than they might at :first appear and are attracting considerable professional and political debate.
2.4.2 There is overwhelming support for the principle of a Public Library Service which is essentially free. Members feel very strongly about this issue. Decisions on charges for selected services should be a matter of local policy rather than national legislation. It is, therefore, suggested that the review should concern itself with the construction of a framework within which local choices can be made rather than imposing prescriptive national requirements.
2.4.3 There is a need for the Public Library Service to sustain and develop its traditional comprehensive roles and not be split into core and peripheral services - see Section 2.2.2.
2.4.4 However, the special needs of target groups may best be addressed through legislation in order to ensure mandatory provision within mainstream Public Library Services.
2.4.5 There should be acceptance of the fundamental principle that future priorities and new services for the public libraries are a matter of informed local choice.
2.4.6 At a national level there is value to be gained from sharing good practice; initiating market research; improving research structures on library-related issues; and stimulating marketing and promotional activity. These matters will have a two-fold benefit of informing local choice whilst raising the public library profile.
2.4.7 The future financial base for the Public Library Service must continue to come from public funds. There is also a need to broaden the funding opportunities for Libraries whilst taking cognisance of their limitations in terms of income generation.
2.4.8 At a local level there should be a Public Library Service plan which sets out objectives and priorities for the future. Progress must be measured to assess effectiveness. There should be nationally agreed standards of service provision which will facilitate this. The search for efficiencies and economies must continue. However, this Council is fundamentally opposed to compulsory competitive tendering for the Public Library Service.
2.4.9 Finally the issue of a "framework for local choice" is fundamental to the review. It should be based on the recognised strengths of the Public Library Service and should endorse the principle of essentially free public access to the range of activity described in Section 2.2.2.
3.0 CONCLUSION
3.1 The ASLIB consultative paper raises a number of complex and important issues. These have been fully considered by officers who have recommended a response to Members of the Council. Members have fully endorsed the views expressed in this report.
Members particularly feel strongly about the retention of the principle of a public library services which is essentially free. They feel equally strongly opposed to compulsory competitive tendering for the public library service.