Agenda item

To consider a report by the Lead Officer: Libraries, Archives and Art (copy attached) which details the Library Service’s performance against CyMAL’s Annual Assessment Framework for Welsh Public Library Authorities.

                                                                                                         11.15 a.m.

A copy of a report by the Lead Officer: Libraries, Archives and Arts, which detailed the Library Service’s performance against CyMAL’s Annual Assessment Framework for Welsh Public Library Authorities, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

The Head of Communication, Marketing and Leisure (HCML) introduced the report which summarised the Library Service’s 2011/12 performance against the 9 Welsh Public Library Standards, 7 Welsh Public Library Performance Indicators and detailed the CyMAL’s Annual Assessment Framework for Welsh Public Libraries.  The Framework would be operational for a three-year period from April 2011 to March 2014, and would focus on the maintenance of a core library service.

CyMAL’s assessment of Denbighshire’s Annual Report confirmed that in 2011/12 the Authority had met 5 of the 9 Welsh Public Library Standards, partly achieved 3 of the Standards and failed to meet one Standard.  Denbighshire’s performance had been considered by CyMAL to be slightly below average when compared with other authorities in Wales. 

A summary of the standards met, partly met and not met by Denbighshire had been included in the report.   As the Welsh average for meeting the Welsh Public Library Standards was 6 it implied that Denbighshire’s Library Service was below average.  However, Performance Indicators provided a different perspective:-

·        2^nd highest used and visited Library Service across Wales.

·        3^rd highest Authority in Wales for issues of books and other materials.

·        17^th for percentage of the Library Service’s revenue budget spent on stock.

·        12^th for percentage take up of public access PCs.

Denbighshire’s high usage and issue figures for 2011-12 had reflected the success of its Summer Reading Challenge, the most successful ever in the County.  Denbighshire was 4^th for its net expenditure per 1,000 population on Library Services.  However, it was in 20th position with a cost of £2.29 per visit and usage, compared with the Welsh average of £2.84, and the Welsh highest of £4.24.

Performance Indicator data for all Welsh Authorities had been included in Appendix A and officers confirmed that they would contact other high performing Library Services in Wales, such as Monmouthshire, to share best practice and learn from their experience.  Performance against the Assessment Framework for 2011-14 was reported annually to CyMAL.  The CyMAL’s most recent evaluation indicated that Denbighshire had underperformed in meeting 5 of the 9 Standards.  However, Performance Indicators illustrated that Denbighshire was one of the best performing in terms of library visits, usage and issues.  There were no risks involved with the current assessment and the service was confident it was addressing its own priorities in meeting the needs of local residents and communities in Denbighshire.

The Chair explained that he had met with the Lead Member, Councillor H.Ll. Jones, and the Lead Officer: Libraries, Archives and Art Service, Arwyn Jones, to discuss what was most relevant to the delivery of the Library Service in Denbighshire.  The HCML highlighted the importance of the Libraries Strategy, which would develop a new range of metrics with the provision of more community based services within the libraries. This would also raise the profile of the Library Service and form part of the response to CyMAL.

The HCML explained that the services of St Asaph Library had been lost due to flood damage which would have a detrimental impact on future statistics.  In reply to concerns raised by Councillor M.Ll. Davies regarding the need for the provision of temporary replacement facilities, it was explained that Libraries at Rhuddlan and Denbigh would provide support with the possible deployment of the Youth Mobile Unit to the area to enable local residents to access services.  The HCML confirmed that consideration would not be afforded to reducing library hours until the impact on associated services was clear, with efficiencies being found through more effective use of existing resources.

In response to concerns expressed by Councillor A. Roberts, the HCML confirmed that there were no proposals within the immediate term financial plan or within the Service Challenge to close Rhuddlan Library.  He confirmed that maintenance issues relating to the roof and heating system had been referred to Building Services and he agreed to pursue the matter.  However, it was explained that the undertaking of maintenance work would be subject to prioritisation and the availability of funding.

During the ensuing discussion the Committee endorsed the work undertaken and it was:-

RESOLVED – that Performance Scrutiny Committee:-

(a)     receives the report and endorses the Library Service’s performance against the Annual Assessment Framework; and

(b)     agrees to provide a statement to CyMAL concerning the Library Service’s performance.