Public Library Strategy 2018-2022 Consultation With Public Participation Network
The Department of Housing Planning, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with the LGMA and the Libraries Development Committee, has commenced the development of a new 5 year strategy for the public library service in Ireland. As part of our early consultation on developing the new strategy, we would like to invite the Public Participation Networks to give some feedback on the progress of the Strategy developed to date. This is in advance of a more detailed public consultation which will take place in the Autumn.
You can read the draft strategy here: 2017 Library Strategy Draft Outline
Recent enhancements to the library service have greatly increased its value to the community. The public library service can be very proud of the many initiatives delivered as part of the last strategy ‘Opportunities for All’ 2013-2017 which was a progressive programme for the development of our public library services. Indeed the latest innovation launched on the 29 May 2017 is ‘Libraries Ireland’ – a single library system providing a single access for library members to over 15 million items in the 333 library branches across the country. It is a landmark step in the positioning of the library as the ‘go to’ place for communities. Your views, as Public Participation representatives are welcomed on what you consider will add to the new strategy and assist to inform its development so the public library is positioned to realise its full potential.
Background:
The term of our current public libraries strategy Opportunities for All, ends in 2017. A review of its progress and extensive early consultations has commenced to inform the development of a new strategy for the period 2018-2022. The task is to identify key areas of focus for the next five-year strategy, taking account of new trends, developments and opportunities.
Progress to date:
3 Thematic Programmes have been identified for the development and enhancement of the public library service during the period 2018-2022.
- Community Development,
- Literacy and Learning;
- Books/Reading & the Life of the Imagination.
Under each of these themes, a number of priority programmes will be designed and pursued, for example under Literacy and Learning, services and promotion of lifelong learning will be progressed.
Key questions:
- Do you feel the Thematic Programmes outlined would cover the most important services provided by libraries in your locality?
- If not, what others in your opinion could be explored and pursued?
- Is this likely to change significantly over the period 2018-2022?
- Do you have any other comments/suggestions on the proposed strategy?
How to Give Feedback Deadline July 28th 2017:
Please send your observations on the attached draft strategy outline attached here – 2017 Library Strategy Draft Outline (which consists of 3 thematic programmes and 6 underpinning elements for service delivery) to libstrategyreview@housing.gov.ie