Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy A guide for East Sussex Strategic Partnership, 05 December 2016

Contents This guide provides an introduction to the Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy for ESSP members, including: The purpose of the strategy Libraries as a statutory service The library and information service The changing use of the service The libraries transformation programme How we are developing the strategy The stakeholders we are engaging with The commissioning timeframe Next steps for ESSP members Further information

1. The purpose of the strategy The Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy aims to create a modern library service that meets the needs of residents within available resources. The strategy will be based on a robust assessment of the needs of residents of the county as a whole and within specific communities. The development of the draft strategy will be guided by priority outcomes informed by the needs assessment.

2. Libraries as a statutory service The Public Libraries and Museums Act (1964) requires us to provide a library service that is “comprehensive and efficient”. It is for local decision how the library service best does this, including how many libraries there are, where they are and when they are open. The library service should be accessible to everyone using reasonable means, including the internet, and recognising any constraints which the County Council is facing.

3. The library and information service The Library and Information Service currently consists of: 24 libraries across East Sussex E-library Mobile Library Schools Library and Museum Service (SLAMS) East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS) Home Library Service For more information about the service visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries

4. The changing use of the service There were 1.79 million visits to East Sussex libraries last year. 2,016,338 books were issued. 22,141 e-books were issued. 317,977 free computer sessions were used. But there is a declining trend in visits to libraries, locally and nationally. Nationally it has been shown that the decline is lower in more deprived areas. There is an increasing trend in the use of e-books and materials, but currently these represent a small percentage of overall transactions.

5. The libraries transformation programme The Libraries Transformation Programme consists of: A reduction in management and ‘back office’ costs which has already saved £500,000 A reduction in spend on books and other materials, to reflect changing demand and to bring us in line with other local authorities, which will save £250,000 A reduction in library opening hours, by around 25% from 28 November 2016, which will save £500,000 The Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy which will shape the future service and aims to identify a further £750,000 of savings or income

6. How we are developing the strategy We have undertaken surveys and questionnaires about how people use our library service and what their priorities are. We are gathering data to help us understand what needs people have that our library service is best placed to meet or support. We are talking to stakeholders and thinking with an open mind about the best way to deliver the service in the future to meet those needs and who is best placed to provide it.

7. The stakeholders we are engaging with In addition to consultation with library users we are talking with a range of stakeholders between now and next year, including: District, Borough, Town and Parish Councils Public, private, voluntary and community sector partners Representative community groups Staff and volunteers within the library service Other services within East Sussex County Council

8. The commissioning timeframe In September 2017 we aim to present a draft version of the Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy to the council's Cabinet for approval. If Cabinet approve the draft strategy, there will be a public consultation at the end of 2017. The results will help us to finalise the strategy. We aim to present the final strategy to Cabinet for approval in March 2018 and to implement the new service later that year.

9. Next steps for ESSP members This guide is intended to provide background information to all members of the East Sussex Strategic Partnership about the Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy. We will engage individually with a number of member organisations about the local needs they represent, as well as with relevant countywide thematic partnerships. If you wish to make sure you are included please do feel free to contact us using the details provided.

10. Further information For more about the Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy and the Libraries Transformation Programme visit https://democracy.eastsussex.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=133&MId=2273&Ver=4 To get in touch with us please e-mail matthew.wragg@eastsussex.gov.uk or call 01273 335165