Council of Ministers Working Party on Libraries

Libraries – Recent Timeline February 2012 Proposed Closure Family & Mobile Library by DESC Private funding acquired June 2017 Tynwald Select Committee formed to examine and report on “adequacy, structure and funding of library services on IOM” 2017 Public survey on library use ran by Select Committee (773 responses) July 2018 Select Committee Report to Tynwald with Recommendations including further consideration by Working Party to Report back to Tynwald by Dec 2019 Feb 2019 Request for information from libraries from Working Party

Select Committee Recommendation 1 We recommend that the Council of Ministers establish a Working Party to continue with the important work of determining the future direction of the Island’s libraries. This work should now move forward to undertake a detailed investigation into the provision and purpose of public library services. This investigation should involve all those involved in library provision on the Island. The Working Party should report to Tynwald no later than December 2019 on: [cont’d]

The purpose of public library services; The wider provision of library services across the Island; Use and cost of libraries; twelve months of data, to be collated and presented in a way which is in an agreed and consistent format used by all, re costs for staff, stock, facilities, utilities, training and other overheads; and usage including membership, footfall, loans, opening hours; additional services; and events; Options for a statutory requirement for provision. A Manx libraries’ structure to include: Options with outline plans for a future funding arrangement to include, but not be limited to, an all Island rate. Options and plans for future co-operation to include, but not be limited to, a shared catalogue, all Island lending and return, all Island library Membership.

Select Committee Recommendation 2 “Tynwald is of the opinion that Isle of Man Government should provide funding to the Family Library Limited up to a total of £125,000 per annum for a maximum of two years to allow time for a Working Party to report into the future provision of the library services.”

Libraries Workshop – 28th March 2019 36 people in attendance: 3 x Libraries Working Party 10 x Tynwald Members 12 x Members from Local Authorities 8 x Librarians (from a range of Libraries across the Island including Government Libraries such as MNH, General Registry and UCM and public libraries including the Family Library) 3 X Cabinet Office Staff (including the Facilitator)

What is a Library? In groups they were asked ‘What is a Library?’ (give a one paragraph summary) “A Library is a Community Hub providing the public means of accessing knowledge in a safe, welcoming environment which provides opportunities for life-long learning, entertainment and information”

What is a Library? “All Libraries are important community spaces. They are centres of information where people can find information and be helped by skilled, qualified staff. There should be online access (generally), entertainment/leisure and events/clubs if possible. Local history should be available. Accessibility and appropriate building important – environment.”

What is a Library? “Libraries are an important service because they provide access to information to all in our community in a socially inclusive way”

Future Vision for Libraries Consider 10/20 years in our future – what will our community be like? How will it be different? Using PESTLE model (Political/Economic/Social/Technology/ Legislation/Environment)

Technology and Legislation appear to be the key factors Option for Libraries to work together and share services where there is duplication and overlap Recognition of the social value of a Library (other uses for the building e.g coffee shop/outreach/post office)

What’s Next? Requirement for data – current challenges Working Party to prepare statement for Tynwald on progress Provision of a report detailing next steps for the future of the Island’s Libraries

Any Questions?