Decision details

8.1

The Executive Director, Communities submitted a report seeking approval on the proposal for the future of Sheffield’s libraries, archives and information services.

8.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

agrees a new operating model for community libraries. Taking account of the Council’s obligation to deliver a comprehensive and efficient library service as informed by the needs assessment, consultations undertaken and Equality Impact Assessment. The new operating model will consist of:-

·         11 Sheffield City Council run hub libraries

·         Up to 5 co-delivered community libraries

·         Retain Tinsley Library as a Council run facility until its rental agreement expires in 2016

·         Up to 10 associate libraries, with support for up to 3 years

·         New opening times for Central Library

·         Closure of the mobile library service

·         Development of the Home Library Service through a volunteer progamme

·         All other existing library, information and archives services will be retained including the Schools Library Service

·         A volunteer programme

(b)

agrees £262,000 of funding from Council resources, carried forward to 2014/15, to support the sustainability and viability of associate libraries and volunteering, in response to issues raised during the consultation around the needs of older and disabled people and the role which libraries play in promoting health and well-being;

(c)

agrees funding of £262,000 from Council resources to support associate libraries and volunteering for the period 2015/16 and 2016/17, in response to issues raised during the consultation around the needs of older and disabled people and the role which libraries play in promoting health and well-being;

(d)

subject to consultation with the relevant Cabinet Members, requests that the Executive Directors and Resources to explore the potential for a further capital allocation for any major repairs to associate libraries; and

(e)

notes the resolution of the Economic and Environmental Wellbeing Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee, taken at its meeting held on 18 February 2014.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

Following extensive public consultation, to implement the review of the Libraries, Archives and Information Service, establishing a new service which will meet the City’s aspirations for the future, will be comprehensive and efficient and will develop new partnerships with community organisations and people who use library services.

8.3.2

This new service will take account of the issues raised in the public consultation, the needs assessment and Equality Impact Assessment and will be affordable.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

The options considered in determining the proposed operating model can be found in Section 8 of the report, and further detail in Appendix I.

8.4.2

Following analysis of the consultation 2013/14 and the Equality Impact Assessment, the options considered and rejected were:

(i)  No change to the proposal.

(ii)  Offer all the associate libraries (with an approved initial business plan) co-delivery status for a limited period.

(iii) Offer all the associate libraries (with an approved initial business plan), an enhanced support offer, including financial support for a limited period.  Access to SCC services limited to a book depository service.

8.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

8.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

8.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Laraine Manley, Executive Director, Communities

8.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing