SCRUTINY REMIT: LIBRARIES TRANSFORMATION

TOPIC GROUP

OBJECTIVE:
To scrutinise the effects of the reduction of opening hours and the loss of mobile services on library users in Hertfordshire.
QUESTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED:
  1. What has been the impact of the reduction in library opening hours implemented in July 2011.
  1. What has been the impact of the reduction in mobile library services implemented during the summer of 2011.

OUTCOME:
Members will have a clear understanding of the changes made to library opening hours and mobile services as part of the Libraries Transformation in 2011, and the effects of these changes on library service users.
CONSTRAINTS:
The scrutiny will only consider the specific impacts of the changes made to opening hours and mobile services; it is not a general review of the quality and range of library services in Hertfordshire.
The evidence presented will draw on examples of specific libraries and mobile routes, but the purpose of the scrutiny is to consider the impact of the changes on patterns of library usage across the County, rather than making detailed recommendations for individual local libraries.
EVIDENCE & WITNESSES:
  • Background to the Libraries Transformation.
  • Equalities Impact Assessment
  • Evidence of the impact of reduced opening hours on patterns of library usage.
/ Andrew Bignell
Head of Libraries, Culture and Learning
  • User consultation carried out during the transformation process.
  • User feedback since the implementation of reduced opening hours.
/ Michele Murphy
Principal Librarian: Customers and Communities
  • Evidence of the impact of reductions in mobile services on library usage.
/ Neil Baxter
Senior Librarian: Outreach Services
  • Evidence from Library Users
(vox pop collected in libraries) / Rebecca Miles
Graduate Trainee
  • Evidence from County Councillor Keith Emsall
/ Keith Emsall
Executive Member for Libraries at the time of Transformation
  • Evidence from Library advocates
/ Andy Darley – We Heart Libraries (North Herts and Stevenage)
Graham Taylor/Louise Aldridge (Borehamwood)
  • Evidence from local library staff.
/ Sue Gledhill (Operations Librarian – West)
Denise Ellis (Group Library Supervisor – Watford)
Lynn Newman (Group Library Supervisor – Bishop’s Stortford)
METHOD:Topic Group DATE: 14 December 2012
MEMBERSHIP:
Peter Ruffles (Chair), Alan Searing, Rose Cheswright, , Ray Shakespeare Smith, Kareen Hastrick
SUPPORT:
Scrutiny Officer: Tom Hawkyard
Lead Officers: Taryn Pearson/ Andrew Bignell
Democratic Services Officer: Nicola Cahill
HCC Priorities for Action: how this item helps deliver the Priorities
  1. Support economic well being
  2. Maximise independent living
  3. Ensure a positive childhood
  4. Secure a good education for all
  5. Reduce carbon emissions
  6. Ensure safe neighbourhoods
  7. Be a leading council

CfPS ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVES:
  1. Transparent – opening up data, information and governance
  2. Inclusive – listening, understanding and changing
  3. Accountable – demonstrating credibility

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