Library Review

This consultation has now closed

• Library review consultation report - full version
  
• Report to Cabinet 21/11/2012 - Library and Information Service Review consultation feedback
• Appendix A - Library Review summary of consultation
• Appendix B - Library & Information Service summary of equality analysis
• Appendix C - Rotherham Library & Information Service: a vision to deliver a modern and vibrant service

A review of the Library & Information Service has been undertaken to identify proposals for future service delivery. These proposals are based on an assessment of local need for the service and take into account the statutory requirement for the service and available resources. They are informed by the Library and Information Service Strategy 2011-15, which aims to deliver a modern, vibrant library service and have been subject to an equalities assessment.

All the background information relating to our review can be found in our download area.

What are the changes being proposed?

We believe that there is need for access to a library service in every community in Rotherham. However, every community is different and so we want to make sure that we take account of the all the differences in the ways people need and want to use their library service.

• In order to serve all communities, and taking into account the travel habits of current customers, we will continue to aim to provide a library within 2 miles of every resident, with a range of opening hours to suit local need
• We will change opening hours, increasing them in a number of libraries in the north, south and town centre, making it easier for you to visit
• We will change opening hours at the remaining libraries according to actual and potential usage. This means that some may be open less than they are now
• We propose to close two small libraries at Kimberworth and KImberworth Park. However, there will be minimal impact on the numbers of people who live within two miles of a library
• We will continue to deliver mobile library services and services to individuals in their homes. We will change the way this service is delivered to make sure that we improve access across the Borough
• We will look to provide access to other Council services in a number of libraries
• We will reduce the amount we spend on books and other materials for each person in Rotherham from £1.98 to £1.52. This means that we will continue to spend around £390,000 each year. We believe that this means we can continue to provide a wide range and choice of books but still achieve greater value for money
• We will continue to offer free access to the internet and a range of online information sources, including e-magazines
• We will continue to deliver a varied programme of events and activities aimed at children, young people, families, and adults. We want more people to use the library service, more often
• The proposals mean it will cost around £500,000 less to deliver the library service

How to make comments

We would like to find out more about those who use our libraries. We'd like all our libraries to be accessible to all our customers and will take steps to address gaps and barriers once we know about them.  Answering a few equalities questions will help us build some of that picture.

• Equalities monitoring for all libraries
  

Please follow the links to the libraries you are interested in to make your comments on our review:

• Aston Library
• Brinsworth Library
• Dinnington Library
• Greasbrough Library
• Kimberworth Library
• Kimberworth Park Library
• Kiveton Park Library
• Maltby Library
• Mowbray Gardens Library
  
• Rawmarsh Library
• Riverside House
  
• Swinton Library
• Thorpe Hesley Library
• Thurcroft Library
• Wath Library
• Wickersley Library