Gone are the days when libraries were only about borrowing books from stacked shelves, now users of libraries in East Sussex find hubs of information and technology with a strong service provided by the librarians and other members of staff.
In recognition of this dynamic activity, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) which oversees the nation’s libraries has given East Sussex a three star rating which reflects the good range and standard of service enjoyed by library users throughout the county.
"Libraries have a new role to play in the community and East Sussex has risen to this challenge, made the changes and won national recognition for its efforts ,’ said Councillor Meg Stroude, Lead Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Libraries. "Libraries are no longer only for ‘bookworms’. They are now thriving centres of learning, technology and information and they can open doors to education and leisure for people of all ages.”
East Sussex County Council received top marks (four out of four) for demonstrating vision and ambition for the library service, particularly for its commitment to improve access to information and services, including electronic communications.
Evidence of this is the increased investment in books, computer and information facilities as well as the major refurbishment and renewal programme and extended opening hours.
Assessors were also impressed by the level of public support for services, made clear through consultation, and the fact that public suggestions were acted upon.
Councillor Stroude concluded: "People go to libraries to research their family trees, contact their relatives on the other side of the world via the people’s network – which provides library members with free broadband Internet access – as well as borrow books, tapes, DVDs and CDs. The county’s libraries now meet 21 out of the 26 national library standards and are poised to improve further. We’ve come a long way over the last twelve months and staff as well as library members should feel very pleased.”
Reference:
04/414/YL
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