The Library Vision
Page 3: Background
Bath and North East Somerset’s Library and Information Service
reflects the wider debate as to the role and relevance of libraries
in a fast changing environment. We are at a crossroads both
nationally and locally. Nationally, the People’s Network project,
which is providing free to use computers in all libraries, is
having a profound effect. It has opened up the debate about the
balance of books and computers, the type of customers we serve and
the skills we have and need.
The Audit Commission’s Best Value Culture and Leisure Review
which covered our Library and Information Service was completed in
October 2002. Copies are available from the Library and Information
Service or at www.audit-commission.gov.uk.
Their summary was that
- "The Library Service is fair. The Council provides a
traditionally focused library service. It has high levels of
customer satisfaction compared to other Council services, but
compares less well with other library services in terms of use or
customer satisfaction. It is not sufficiently in touch with what
its users and potential users want from a modern library and
information service. Buildings and book stock are poor, and they do
not meet national standards, especially in parts of the district
outside the City of Bath, despite a well run and up-to-date mobile
library service. Opening hours in most libraries are inadequate,
although the Council has introduced Sunday opening in the central
library in Bath in response to customer requests. The Council has
only just started to consult on a new vision for the Service, to
see if it can meet the needs of local people."
We currently employ 120 staff (65 FTEs) through 8 static and 2
mobile libraries. Our gross budget is £2.4m (2002/03) per annum,
and we achieved an 82% satisfaction rating (3rd quartile) amongst
users, but only 64% amongst all residents (4th quartile).
We are part of the Foursite Consortium, which includes North
Somerset, Somerset County and South Gloucester Library Services.
The consortium enables us to share costs of a specialist computer
system, achieve discounts for bulk buying of stock and increase the
range of stock available to borrow.
