- When will the review process finish?
Stage 3 consultation will take place from 12th September to 2nd December 2011, it is then anticipated that a further report on the findings of Stage 3 will be submitted to Cabinet in summer 2012 with further options for consideration. If approved then implementation will follow.
- When will any proposals be implemented?
A further report on the findings of Stage 3 will be submitted to Cabinet in summer 2012 with further options for consideration. If approved then implementation will follow.
- Why are we considering allocating a fund to satellite libraries? If we don’t need them wouldn’t we be better just spending the money on the Hub libraries?
We are committed to providing library and information services that communities want throughout the district. Although in certain areas library facilities are poorly used that does not mean that if services were delivered in a different way they would not be used. The fund provides us with an opportunity to explore different models of provision to see what works best for different communities. Whilst we will continue to invest in Council-funded libraries the fund will also give us an opportunity to help support the wider Council agenda of supporting communities to develop their own capacity to deliver services on a local level.
- If no-one wishes to deliver satellite library services is a particular location will that library shut?
In an area where the current library facility isn’t included in the Hub service, an alternative library service will still continue but in a manner to be determined by the public through the views and preferences expressed in the consultation exercise taking place from 12th September to 2nd December 2011.
This would be subject to negotiation and agreement between the Community organisations and oursleves. These agreements may differ between communities.
- If library services were delivered from different locations, what would happen to existing libraries?
Where appropriate, buildings which are declared surplus to requirements and would be dealt with following the normal Council procedure for disposal.
- Why is the schools library service, prison library service and music and drama library not included in this review?
They are not included because they are not part of the core public library service and are funded separately from other sources. The schools library service is funded by contributions from schools which buy in to the service; the prison library service is fully funded by the Home Office; and the Music and Drama Library is funded by its member authorities.
- Is it legal for volunteers to run libraries?
Yes, in principle. Volunteers have always helped in the delivery of some library services, if volunteers ran satellite services this would be a natural extension of that principle.
- How much money will the recommended option (Option 1) in the report to Cabinet save the Council?
Whilst it is anticipated that the final financial implication of Option 1 would become apparent as the public consultation exercise progresses, it is anticipated that this option would offer the greatest opportunity for us to consolidate and improve our Library service provision, meeting residents’ needs whilst meeting the revenue budget savings required from the service - which is £517k.
- What does 27 FTE front line staffing equate to in terms of number of actual people?
The 27 full time equivalent (FTE) equates to the number of contracted staff hours we have estimated would no longer be needed should Option 1 be approved. As our staff have individual contracts which have different hours, the number of individuals it would impact upon to achieve the 27 FTE hours would totally depend on who came forward and how many hours they worked. We are aiming wherever possible to minimise compulsory redundancy, and would certainly seek to facilitate the 27 FTE via staff who are interested in Voluntary Redundancy (VR) and Voluntary Early Retirement (VER).
