(a) That the results of the SMART library pilot at Syston library and the business case for SMART libraries be noted;
(b) That the Director of Adults and Communities be authorised to implement full SMART library technology (Option 2), as outlined in the Business Case attached as Appendix B to the report, where possible, within the following libraries:
Ashby de la Zouch, Blaby, Broughton Astley, Birstall, Coalville, Earl Shilton, Glenfield, Hinckley, Loughborough, Lutterworth, Melton Mowbray, Oadby, Shepshed, Wigston Magna
(c) That the options appraisal for the development of a Collections Hub be noted and a full business case be submitted to the Cabinet in 2018 for consideration;
(d) That the Director of Adults and Communities be requested to carry out further work, including any necessary consultation and engagement with partners, stakeholders and service users, to:
(i) Develop a more sustainable and cost-effective delivery model for the Green Plaque Scheme;
(ii) Develop proposals to decommission the Care Online service;
(iii) Explore the decommissioning or possible development of a new model for the British Museum sponsored Portable Antiquities Scheme;
(iv) Review the Mobile Library Service to improve efficiency;
(v) Explore possibility of transferring the Century Theatre, Coalville, to alternative management;
(e) That it be noted that further reports will be submitted to the Cabinet as appropriate regarding progress with (d) (i)-(v) above;
(f) That it be noted that the current structure of the Communities and Wellbeing Service will need to be revised having regard to the proposed changes outlined in the report;
(g) That, noting the comments of the Adults and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, a further review of the art collections be undertaken with a view to consolidating the collection and achieving efficiency savings.
(KEY DECISION)
REASONS FOR DECISION:
To enable the
full implementation of the Communities and Wellbeing Strategy, which has been developed
to fulfil statutory duties, meet budgetary requirements and the efficiency
targets detailed in the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and to provide a
basis for the planning, commissioning and delivery of services.
The introduction of
SMART library technology across the County-funded library network will realise
circa £230,000 per annum savings whilst potentially increasing hours of
access. Of the 16 libraries in the
network, Market Harborough library is the only library where it is not proposed
to have SMART technology installed. This
is due to its layout and shared use arrangements.
The creation of a
Collections Hub could realise circa £350,000 per annum savings whilst also
providing a modern enhanced facility for the area.
It is considered
that the balance of £750,000 savings
can be achieved through a blend of remodelling or decommissioning of the Mobile
Library Service, the Green Plaque scheme, the Care Online service, the Portable
Antiquities scheme, transferring the Century Theatre and an end point
restructuring of the Communities and Wellbeing Service.