That’s the view of Councillor Meg Stroude, Lead Cabinet Member for Libraries at East Sussex County Council, following a recent report into the state of library services.
She said: "The latest report has revealed real progress over the last two years. The enhancements include increasing the book fund, improving opening hours, more funding for refurbishment and improved computer facilities.”
The report is the Council’s ‘library position statement’ which is due to be delivered to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport at the end of this month. "This is very good news for library users,” said Councillor Stroude. "The County Council has now reached 20 out of the 26 national library standards and we are now working towards hitting the remaining targets.
"We are giving the public more up-to-date books and tapes, we are keeping libraries open for longer to give people more options on when they visit, we are improving our buildings and access for minority groups and we have upgraded our computer facilities. Our pledge to improve libraries is being carried out and I believe this report underlines that fact.”
The report also identifies the creation of the Council’s new Education and Libraries Department as a real strength and commends the partnership work with ICT services to improve computer facilities in libraries.
The next stage for managers is to implement their new vision for libraries that will focus on improved access to services by developing a professional approach to customers, offering a welcoming environment; meeting the needs of citizens through consultation and improving performance management.
Reference:
04/311/MF
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