Issue - meetings

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities the present the report and a recommendation from the Joint Overview Committee of 7 June 2023.

(a)           That the Library Strategy, operating model, and action plan be endorsed and adopted (appendices 1,9, & 10)

(b)           That the operating model be implemented from 2024 by the Library Service following consultation with the workforce and engagement with communities.

(c)           That the consultation and engagement undertaken with our communities, involving residents, children, communities, partners, businesses, councillors, our workforce, and all council services be noted (appendices 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6).

(d)           That the findings and proposals contained within the Equalities Impact Assessment be noted (appendix 8).

Reason for the decision

The Dorset Council Library Strategy would guide the council on how to develop and deliver library services over the next 10 years, delivering services in line with the needs of residents and Dorset Council’s strategic priorities.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities advised that the new Library Strategy had been developed following 2 phases of public consultation and would guide how the council developed and delivered the library service over the next 10 years. 

The Portfolio Holder confirmed that the Joint Overview Committee had considered and supported the recommendations before Cabinet. Non-Executive members present, and Cabinet members welcomed the recommendations.

It was proposed by Cllr L Beddow and seconded by Cllr D Walsh

Decision

(a)           That the Library Strategy, operating model, and action plan be endorsed and adopted (appendices 1,9, & 10)

(b)           That the operating model be implemented from 2024 by the Library Service following consultation with the workforce and engagement with communities.

(c)           That the consultation and engagement undertaken with our communities, involving residents, children, communities, partners, businesses, councillors, our workforce, and all council services be noted (appendices 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6).

(d)           That the findings and proposals contained within the Equalities Impact Assessment be noted (appendix 8).

Reason for the decision

The Dorset Council Library Strategy would guide the council on how to develop and deliver library services over the next 10 years, delivering services in line with the needs of residents and Dorset Council’s strategic priorities.

To consider a report of the Library Strategy Manager.

The committee received and considered a report of the Library Strategy Manager which presented a new Dorset Council Library Strategy which would guide how the council developed and delivered the library service over the next 10 years, delivering services in line with the needs of residents and Dorset Council’s strategic priorities.

Councillors considered the report and supporting presentation provided by the Library Strategy Manager and points were noted in the following areas:

·       A point was noted of the importance of books to children.

·       The arrangements for the library in Blandford.

·       How the planning for events in the libraries connected and integrated with other events being held in communities and by partner organisations.

·       Ensuring people were aware of when libraries were open.

·       Commercialisation opportunities.

·       Use of libraries by children after school and links to school transport provision.

·       Work being undertaken with various groups and the volunteer sector to ensure that libraries were welcoming to all.

·       Opening hours for the Dorchester Library and communications and marketing being undertaken around changes to opening hours.

·       Any plans for outreach services would need to be considered as required and in relation to available library services within a particular area.

·       Links to the barge to be positioned in Portland Port were being investigated through a multi-agency forum and voluntary sector partners.

·       There was ongoing engagement with town and parish councils regarding the strategy.

·       The availability of books would be reviewed through an evidence-based stock management system, to ensure that collections met customer needs.

·       Councillors could be involved as volunteers in library related services and activities.

The Chairman thanked officers and the portfolio holder for the report and presentation.

It was proposed by S Jespersen seconded by C Jones

Recommendation to Cabinet on 25 July 2023

1.          That the Library Strategy, Operating Model and Action Plan be endorsed and adopted (Appendices 1, 9, 10).

2.          That the operating model be implemented from 2024 by the Library Service following consultation with the workforce and engagement with communities.

3.          That the consultation and engagement undertaken with our communities, involving residents, children, communities, partners, businesses, councillors, our workforce and all council services is noted. (Appendices 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

4.          That the findings and proposals contained within the Equalities Impact Assessment is noted. (Appendix 8).