create the conditions for a long-term, sustainable and sector-led approach to public library data at local, regional and national levels. Robust and timely data about libraries will support advocacy at every level and it will also contribute to library service design, transparency and statutory obligations.
We have already started with the collection of basic operational data such as membership, footfall and loans. In the longer term, we would like to explore the potential for a national repository hold- ing public library data, including more automated collection, an interrogative dashboard and indicators around social value and the impact of libraries. We intend to engage with the libraries sector throughout, to encourage participation and to support evidence-based practice.
IP: Can you give us an idea of the research being done, or commis- sioned by Arts Council England and how it fits into a strategy? LB: The Arts Council commissions research to support public libraries as well as delivering projects to develop the sector. For example, we are currently funding CILIP to develop an under- standing of future libraries and needs, supporting Libraries Connected to look at piloting licensing models for eBooks and have awarded a grant to CILIP to update guidance to support safe and inclusive library services (see p. 14). We also work on long term sector develop- ment tools such as an accreditation pro- gramme. Libraries Connected developed a draft accreditation scheme to support service development and improvement and we are now looking at how this can be integrated into the Arts Council’s systems and processes. This speaks to both national plans to support the devel- opment of libraries but also to the Arts Council’s strategy Let’s Create, which is committed to increasing investment in, and support for, libraries.
IP: What is, or does it help to try and define “business as usual” in the public library sector? LB: One of the things I have learnt in my new role is that there are some views and perceptions of libraries that, while inac- curate, still persist outside of the sector. Despite the continuing adaptiveness and innovation of libraries, there is a nostalgic view of them or an impression of them as a service in decline. However,
September 2023
Immersive reality – CGI artwork of Oakley Library development, a project supported by the Arts Council. Photo @ Gloucestershire Libraries and Information Service
despite the challenges they face, libraries continue to support health and well being, digital inclusion, reading, business growth and deliver cultural activity. It is difficult to define what is business as usual for libraries given that their services are tailored to individual communities. However, what is clear is that libraries continue to be adaptive and innovative in offering services. They are safe and accessible buildings at the centre of communities staffed by knowledgeable,
compassionate and committed people. This combination of social infrastructure, in the form of buildings and the skilled people who work in them, ensures that libraries continue to address the needs of communities. The challenge now is to change the narrative and share the great work that libraries do more widely, some- thing for the Arts Council to work on! The Arts Council continues to be commit- ted to supporting and developing libraries and while we have put new focus on sector development, grant giving and funding continues to be an important part of our work. We have supported libraries with capital funding through the administration and award of the Libraries Improvement Fund via funding from DCMS. We have also funded the British Library to develop LibraryOn, a single digital presence for libraries. We continue to support projects through our National Lottery Project Grants programme which libraries can access to deliver against the Universal Library Offers as well as for traditional cultural activity. A combination of development work and funding allows the Arts Council to deliver its role as a sector development organisa- tion and support libraries to adapt to their community needs.
PaddleBoat Theatre Company, a project supported by the Arts Council. Photo @ Torquay Library Torbay Doorstep Arts
In my role I am lucky enough to be able to advocate and support libraries locally, regionally and nationally. Alongside colleagues within the Arts Council, across sector support organisations and within library services we all work together to highlight the great work that frontline staff and leadership teams do every day to sup- port their communities and deliver with and for those communities. l Read another interview with Luke from the August 2023 issue of Information Professional, about his life and career in libraries and how this helps him in his current role:
https://bit.ly/3qYBSUU. IP
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 29
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