WIREDGOV

MLA publishes guidance to help library services meet wider local priorities and maintain a comprehensive and efficient service. The website guidance highlights case studies from across the country illustrating how libraries have improved their services by redefining strategic priorities, restructuring the workforce, community consultation and co-location with other services. The pages also show how the MLA field teams can assist in this process.

As the pressure on public sector finances mounts, and with the Wirral inquiry in the pipeline, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) has published guidance designed to help library services meet wider local priorities and maintain a comprehensive and efficient service.

The MLA is writing to all local authority chief executives in England emphasising how public libraries make a difference by supporting people and communities in learning, acquiring new skills and jobs, accessing the internet and reading books.

The website guidance highlights case studies from Leicester, Lincolnshire, Newcastle, Staffordshire, Suffolk and Wigan illustrating how these library services have improved their services by redefining strategic priorities, restructuring the workforce, community consultation and co-location with other services www.mla.gov.uk/librarysupport

MLA Chief Executive Roy Clare said: "The MLA is looking forward to continuing to support the cause of better library services for people and communities everywhere. We don’t have a mandate to intervene, but the MLA field teams can respond quickly and effectively when local authorities seek guidance and help, plus there is a wealth of case studies, research and evidence available on our website."

He said the MLA would continue to reinforce the message that books, information and learning lie at the core of the service, freely available for all backgrounds and ages, but those changes in the style and provision of services are inevitable. New governance and funding models should be explored, such as library trusts; online and digital services developed; library staffing should have a broader expertise and a greater role given to volunteers.

President of the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL), Fiona Williams, said: "These library support pages were developed following consultations that MLA had with SCL and the library sector. They will be a very useful resource for those delivering a library service that works for every community. SCL believes that local authorities should use all such resources to identify and implement good practice."

Keith Bartlett MLA’s Director of Engagement North West said: "These website pages show how some local authorities have successfully met the challenges to their library services and how MLA field teams can assist in this process."

Notes to editors:

1. The MLA is the government's agency for museums, libraries and archives. Leading strategically, we promote best practice to inspire innovative, integrated and sustainable services for all.

Bob Tolliday020 7273 1406, Bob.Tolliday@mla.gov.uk

related links

• Library support

  Before any decision to introduce change is made it’s important for local authorities to know about the models of good practice that already exist and to understand that there is no one size fits all solution. That help is available from the MLA.