Why are we consulting on the development of a new library strategy?
We recognise that there's a need for a new strategy following a period of significant financial change. The existing strategy detailed a three-tier hierarchy of library service to inform how resources would be financed and managed over a five-year period. This hierarchy will continue to underpin funding decisions to ensure library services are sustainable for the future. Two years on we identified the need for a refreshed strategy that offers a robust vision with clear priorities for the library service of the future. We'd like to seek your views so that the draft strategy can reflect local priorities and needs.
What engagement work is planned?
The consultation will run for 12 weeks in total, but we plan to split this into two periods:
- Stage 1 (six weeks) - we'll ask open questions to obtain feedback from local people concerning what they would like the strategy to focus on.
- Stage 2 (Six weeks) – we'll provide a copy of the draft strategy and ask for feedback on it. We can then make any amendments prior to final agreement and sign off.
When will the Stage 1 engagement close?
The first phase of our work will run for six weeks, opening on 1 October 2019, and closing on 10 November 2019. We'll update this information with the dates for the Stage 2 engagement. The Stage 2 engagement will be a more formal consultation on the draft strategy document, and is likely to start in early 2020.
Which methods of engagement are being used?
Within the consultation period a mixed method of engagement will be used to obtain as much feedback as possible. Engagement opportunities include:
- Feedback surveys for:
- Members of the public, local groups and organisations
- Library staff and volunteers, other members of staff at Shropshire Council and the council’s elected members
- Email and postal feedback options for any more detailed comments
- A roadshow during National Libraries Week (visits to libraries to ask local people for their views – find out more below).
How can I get involved?
You can complete a short survey. It should take you approximately 10-15 minutes to complete depending on how many comments you make. Find the surveys and select the one most relevant to you here:
Click on the ‘How to Get Involved’ tab on this page to access the survey.
You can also provide feedback by email. Please title your email 'Library Strategy' and email: TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk
You can also provide any comments or other documents for consideration by writing to:
Library Strategy Consultation, c/o Shropshire Council, Feedback and Insight Team (1L23), Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6ND
Throughout the consultation we'll be promoting feedback opportunities through this website, social media channels and articles within local newsletters and other publications.
When is the Library Strategy Roadshow?
We'll be seeking feedback through a roadshow as part of National Libraries Week (7 to 12 October 2019) Pop in and see us at any of the following libraries. The dates and times of the roadshow are shown below:
- Monday 7 October 10am to 3/4pm – Oswestry Library
- Tuesday 8 October 10am to 3pm – Bridgnorth Library
- Wednesday 9 October 10am to 3pm – Ludlow Library
- Thursday 10 October 10am to 3pm – Shrewsbury Library
- Friday 11 October – Whitchurch Library – 10am to 1pm and Market Drayton Library – 1pm to 4pm
How will the feedback be used?
Your feedback will be used to write the strategy for Spring 2020. The draft document will be presented to Shropshire Council’s cabinet for decision. The types of information the strategy will include are:
- Information about the library services available in Shropshire
- The role libraries play in our local communities and the added value they offer
- The vision for library services in Shropshire and what libraries hope to achieve in future
When will the results of the consultation be available?
The results of the consultation and the new strategy will be made to Shropshire Council’s cabinet in Spring 2020. Papers for cabinet meetings are public documents and can be found on our Committee Services pages.
What other evidence will be used to inform the new strategy?
Alongside the feedback from local engagement we also use a wide range of evidence such as feedback from previous local library engagement and consultation, national research and guidance, library services data, and good practice from other areas. This information, added to the feedback obtained through the consultation, will help to inform the new strategy.
Who will be involved and consulted on the development of a new strategy?
We'll be working to engage as widely as possible to obtain a diversity of views. We'll also take steps to ensure the following stakeholder groups are made aware of how they can participate in the consultation:
- Members of the public (library users and non-users)
- Library groups and friends of Shropshire libraries
- Voluntary and community sector organisations (including social enterprise)
- Local partnerships
- Public sector bodies
- Town and parish councils
- Shropshire Council elected members, officers and volunteers
- And more….
To find out more please email TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk