The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “N”) gives a description of changes to the operation of Bradford Museums & Libraries over recent years, with particular reference to community managed libraries.

Recommended -

That the Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider the contents of Document “N”.

(Maggie Pedley – 01274 432626)

The Libraries, Museums and Galleries Manager  was in attendance with the Assistant Director, Sport & Culture and the Principal Officer Operations. They jointly gave a synopsis of the report.

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “N”) gave a description of changes to the operation of Bradford Museums & Libraries over recent years, with particular reference to community managed libraries.

The Libraries, Museums and Galleries Manager was in attendance with the Assistant Director, Sport & Culture and the Principal Officer Operations. They jointly gave a synopsis of the report. Over the past few years, libraries had been driven by budget savings and now the landscape for the Council was to move forward. The fundamental objective being, how libraries would play an instrumental role in the district. There would be in the region of 400 volunteers to deliver the service of libraries to communities.

A question and answer session ensued:

·         Had there been a reduction in the management structure and the lessening of financial spending?

o   Management level had been reduced and there were plans of merging roles and significantly spending less due to financial constraints;

·         Had the service connected with volunteering organisations?

o   The library service supported the recruiting of volunteers and in the museum service, around 100 volunteers had been recruited;

·         The country was 7 years into the austerity measures of the coalition government, why had the Council not been able to plan ahead and implement a more effective system to meet the needs of users and equally the financial environment of this Council?

o   It was about considering the libraries service more responsive to communities needs.

o   The 7 years austerity measures from the perspective of the Committee had been acknowledged but from an officer perspective, with 50% reduction of financial resources, the service has no choice but to implement significant changes to this service. An important factor being, officers ensured that the library service from within communities would not disappear but to hold firm of this Council service for communities in the Bradford district.

o   A future model was being designed and nearing an implementation stage;

·         Was it at all possible to involve school 6^th former students of local schools to become involved with delivering library services?

o   A library had already been developed with such students; and,

·         Had there been any ASB in libraries?

o   The Council was aware of 25 incidents, hence door security had been implements. Information on ASB had been shared with the Neighbourhood Youth Team. It was important that schools undertook responsibility of their own students, so the Council worked with schools and as a result the number of incidents had been reduced. Reports had been submitted to the Police and significant support had been given to libraries in communities.

During the discussion, the following points were made:

·         It was paramount that the library and museums function thrived for the sake of communities;

·         Lessons had to be learned on how the services had been affected and how the Council intended to move forward;

·         Libraries and museums were about culture and not only for businesses to invest but for local residents;

·         Despite the low stock of books, the library in Holmewood had been operating a fantastic service;

·         It was difficult times for libraries and the library in Great Horton had no choice but to reduce its hours of service;

·         This process was about looking at all options and addressing actions to strengthening libraries. Internet accessibility and WiFi signal would be provided;

·         This report was slightly misleading on information due to Councillors receiving emails from local residents expressing concerns as to the significant reduction of service hours of libraries and not knowing the opening times. It was paramount that the library service was continuously promoted and equally notices of opening and closing hours be put on the doors of all libraries;

·         Due to the reduction of budgets, the Council had still managed to operate the library service. The reduction in budget resulted in casualties and therefore some libraries had to reduce hours of operation due to staff shortages;

·         Clarification on reduction of budget resulted on staff shortages but the Council should utilise good judgement in applying a balance throughout the libraries service by allocating staff at specific location to meet demand especially during peak times;

·         It was paramount that officers presented options in front of the Committee to vision a way forward through Councillors experience;

·         Libraries were also used by vulnerable people who had no other place to go;

o   In response to comment, a person could be homeless and also be a library ticket holder.

·         The Heaton Library Hub in the Heaton Ward was a fantastic facility for the local community;

·         There had been an increase of 30-40% visiting numbers at Cliffe Castle Museum. This was a fantastic achievement by the Council;

·         The recognition of resilience of Council staff in difficult financial times was an important element to be acknowledged and appreciated by all Members of the Bradford district.

Resolved –

That a detailed report be presented to the Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee by the end of January 2019 which specifically focuses on the future role of the Libraries and Museums Service including options for future service delivery.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place