Agenda and draft minutes

To appoint a Chairman for the meeting.

It was proposed by C Jones seconded by A Alford.

Decision

That M Parkes be appointed as Chairman for the meeting of the committee.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 29 June 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 June 2022 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct.  In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

Representatives of town or parish councils and members of the public who live, work, or represent an organisation within the Dorset Council area are welcome to submit either 1 question or 1 statement for each meeting.  You are welcome to attend the meeting in person or via MS Teams to read out your question and to receive the response.   If you submit a statement for the committee this will be circulated to all members of the committee in advance of the meeting as a supplement to the agenda and appended to the minutes for the formal record but will not be read out at the meeting. The first 8 questions and the first 8 statements received from members of the public or organisations for each meeting will be accepted on a first come first served basis in accordance with the deadline set out below.  Further information read Public Participation - Dorset Council

All submissions must be emailed in full to Lindsey.watson@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk  by 8.30am on 2 June 2023.

When submitting your question or statement please note that:

•         You can submit 1 question or 1 statement.

•         a question may include a short pre-amble to set the context.

•         It must be a single question and any sub-divided questions will not be permitted.

•         Each question will consist of no more than 450 words, and you will be given up to 3 minutes to present your question.

•         when submitting a question please indicate who the question is for (e.g., the name of the committee or Portfolio Holder)

•         Include your name, address, and contact details.  Only your name will be published but we may need your other details to contact you about your question or statement in advance of the meeting.

•         questions and statements received in line with the council’s rules for public participation will be published as a supplement to the agenda.

•         all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting.

There were no questions or statements from members of the public or local organisations.

To receive questions submitted by councillors.  

Councillors can submit up to two valid questions at each meeting and sub divided questions count towards this total.   Questions and statements received will be published as a supplement to the agenda and all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting. 

The submissions must be emailed in full to lindsey.watson@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by 8.30am on 2 June 2023. 

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13

There were no questions from councillors.

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).

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972.  The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent items.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph x of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.

There is no scheduled exempt business.

There was no exempt business.