Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of progress made by Barbican and Community Libraries during 2017/18, against the refreshed 2017-22 Department of Community and Children’s Services Business Plan. 

During the discussion, the following points were noted:

• Members were pleased to note the 19% increase in visits to Shoe Lane Library and particularly the success of the Dragon Café, which promoted wellbeing for City residents and workers.  The Committee would receive a report and evaluation on this project at the first meeting of the Committee after the recess. 

• E-books were an issue due to complexities and affordability of digital licences.  Members noted that Librarians were challenging this and the Head of Barbican and Library Services recently attended a meeting with the DCMS to consider public lending rights.  Members noted that the publishers’ association had been very engaged and the Head of Service was happy to share her report with Members.  Members noted that audio books were not affected in the same way.

• Staff had been reminded to send out satisfaction surveys promptly.  However, Members noted that surveys were conducted very widely and officers were sensitive to excessive use. 

• Members noted that the Barbican and Community Libraries budget covered all libraries, the only difference being Artizan Street, which was originally a joint budget of Community and Children’s Services and the former Culture, Heritage and Libraries Department.  The Head of Service and Chamberlain agreed to make this clearer in future reports.

RESOLVED, that – the Quarter 4 2017/18 update and progress be noted.