Agenda item

(a)  That the successful implementation of the new Library Operating Model be welcomed.

(b)  That the performance of the new Library Operating Model which was implemented on 1 April 2023 as set out in Appendix A to the report be noted.

Further to the agreement by Cabinet in February 2023 that a new Library Operating Model be implemented on 1^st April 2023 as part of the Council’s 2023/24 savings plans, an update report on performance under the new model was provided to Cabinet.

The report demonstrated that the implementation of the new model had been successful and that the savings plan was on target to be achieved.  All libraries had been open for their advertised times since the new model was introduced.  There were a range of performance metrics and targets for the year, including the number of visitors to libraries, books issues, volunteers and events and these would be monitored closely.  Library opening hours had reduced 36% compared to the pre-covid year of 2019/20.  The targets reflected this figure, but the levels of activity had not yet returned to pre-covid levels.  Lead Members commented that it was a positive start but that more time was needed to assess how the model operated over time.

Councillors Mann and Matloob were invited to address Cabinet and they asked questions about the statistics for broken self-service machines and whether future public consultations would use the model of that undertaken for libraries which had wide engagement with residents and a relatively long consultation period.  The Lead Member for library services stated that all self-service machines were in operation as of last week and contingencies were in place in the event of breakdown.  The lessons learned and good practice of the library consultation process had been shared across the Council and the Cabinet was committed to strong public engagement.  The method, timescale and extent of future consultations would vary by the nature and purpose of the issue and any statutory requirements.

A question was asked about the accuracy of the attendance figure in the report for one of the events at Britwell library.  The Executive Director for the service stated that the figure would be checked and Members present would be informed.

At the conclusion of the discussion the report was noted.

Resolved –

(a)  That the successful implementation of the new Library Operating Model be welcomed.

(b)  That the performance of the new Library Operating Model which was implemented on 1 April 2023 as set out in Appendix A to the report be noted.