Issue - meetings

In its search for continuous improvement, and to reduce costs, the library service has recently completed a review which achieves a reduction in the library service’s staffing budget of £227,000 for 2015-16 while seeking to retain and improve current levels of service. In addition to other elements, the review looked at the opening hours for all the community libraries, which include Ash and Horsley. The opening hours of the Community Partnered Libraries (CPLs) are out of scope, as opening hours are set by local steering groups, within an agreed framework with local committees.

The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed:

 to change the opening hours for Ash and Horsley libraries as set out in Annexe 2 and paragraphs 3 and 9 of this paper.

Reasons:

Customer feedback, including from “lapsed user” surveys, shows that it is easier for residents to remember standardised hours across libraries. There was positive feedback after introducing standardisation at Group A and B libraries in 2008.

The library service review identified changes in the patterns of use in Group C community libraries.  The recommended changes to opening hours reflect how local residents are now using these libraries.

Declarations of Interest: None

Officers attending: Rose Wilson, Libraries SCC

Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None

Member Discussion – key points:

The report was asking for a change in opening hours of two libraries in Guildford.

Members were provided with visitor figures for thelibraries.  Members asked whether there were adequate facilities at libraries to accommodate on line welfare benefit applications with Universal credit coming in February 2016. Officers informed Members that a working group had been set up to address this. The libraries provide access to Wi-Fi, computers and help with form filling and eligibility requirements.  The Learning and Skills team will continue to assist public learners and ’silver surfers’ etc.  Members suggested that the libraries may wish to apply for the Local Committee Cluster funding.

The Local Committee (Guildford) agreed:

To change the opening hours for Ash and Horsley libraries as set out in Annexe 2 and paragraphs 3 and 9 of the report.

Reasons:

Customer feedback, including from “lapsed user” surveys, shows that it is easier for residents to remember standardised hours across libraries. There was positive feedback after introducing standardisation at Group A and B libraries in 2008.

The library service review identified changes in the patterns of use in Group C community libraries.  The recommended changes to opening hours reflect how local residents are now using these libraries.