Decision details

RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet agrees the introduction of Open Access technology in thirteen  libraries across the county.
2. That Cabinet agrees an initial capital allocation of £345k from the £1.8m identified in the Capital Pipeline.
3. That Cabinet agrees the proposed approach to a phased introduction of Open Access in additional libraries.
4. That Cabinet delegates to the Capital Programme Panel (CPP) the approval of any subsequent release of funding, within the overall envelope identified in the Capital Pipeline and subject to a robust business case.

Reasons for Decisions:

Cabinet agreement to introduce Open Access technology into libraries is essential to unlock the full potential of library buildings, increasing access beyond the current opening hours, and empowering communities to reap wider benefit from using these valuable community assets. Thirteen libraries have been prioritised, based on analysis of where there is greatest opportunity to achieve positive impact, and with a good geographic spread across the county. Careful analysis of usage, cost and revenue generation opportunity from the initial thirteen will inform the proposal and business case for future phases of implementation.

(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee)