Agenda item

Members considered the Library Services report card and stated that it should also pay regard to the report on the Cabinet Board agenda in relation to the Annual Report on Library Standards to avoid duplication.

Members asked whether the support to Community libraries was sufficient given that the volunteers within the community may not have sufficient experience. Officers stated that qualified librarians are always available to answer any queries.

Officers stated that there was a difficulty in collecting the relevant information from Community Libraries over and above book lending but it should be understood that generally across the United Kingdom there is a decrease in the usage of Community Libraries.

Members asked what work is undertaken in Community Libraries to promote and provide access to e-books and it was confirmed that the same promotion and access to E Resources is undertaken in Community Libraries as in those run by the Council.

Members asked for their thanks to be recorded for the work that is undertaken in the Community Libraries and that a letter of that effect is sent to all Community Libraries.

In relation to the Neath Port Talbot run Libraries Members asked when the All Wales Management System would be introduced. Officers stated that this has commenced in North Wales and would be introduced across Wales within the next two years.

Members were concerned that the budget for the Library Service was almost £1m short of the suggested allowance from Welsh Government and if we spent the allowance would the Council have hit all standards. It was confirmed that the standards would have been met by using the whole allowance. It was stated that three Councils had hit all standards this year and they had spent their full allowance.

Members noted that the team should be congratulated on what they have achieved as it is now not just a library service but goes wider and they constantly deliver. Officers stated that Welsh Government acknowledges that it is a good service and is meeting the statutory standards.

Members asked for a comparison against other Welsh Councils. Officers stated that Swansea and Carmarthenshire have sought to protect their libraries. However, the Vale of Glamorgan have recently started to transfer their libraries out and because of this they spent a significant amount of money on Court costs in relation to Rhoose Library.

Officers stated that the service had gone from the top ten performing four years ago t around 15^th or 16^th currently.

Members asked what discussions are held with Welsh Government as it was felt that while they set the standards they also reduce the budgets and it was questioned whether the standards were fit for purpose. Officers stated that this has been raised with Welsh Government and they are now in the process of developing a new framework and the Council has provided an input into this.

Following Scrutiny the report was noted.