Work has begun on a new model and vision for the Library and Information Services that will create more spaces for families to enjoy, as well as improving the accessibility of libraries.
The Future Model and working vision for the Library and Information Services was endorsed today (5 September) by Councillors in the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee.
Councillor Miranda Radley, convener of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee, said: “"It is important that our library service is fit for the future, but also a sustainable service moving forward. We have 10 community libraries, a self service facility, an extensive online offer, 4 departments in Central Library and a home delivery service which need to be sustained and improved to ensure they meet the needs of our citizens.
"The consultation responses have really helped us shape the model moving forward, to deliver that wider offering of services for people at our libraries."
Vice-convener Councillor Dell Henrickson said: “The Future Model and working vision is crucial in the development of our libraries. We are continuously looking for ways to improve our services across the city and this is a fantastic step forward in achieving our goals.”
Councillors heard that the new working vision would allow for different communities across Aberdeen to continue to access the services that are the most important to them.
The Future Model for the Library and Information Services will include a city-wide universal offer, based at the Central Library and online, that will enable citizens to access traditional and non-traditional services in a less constrained and more vibrant environment.
This would include offering a welcoming environment that can be used for a wide range of purposes, spaces for families to access and the opening of the café space.
The Future Model also includes the introduction of Community Hubs, which would be co-designed with communities to address local needs and wants, as well as offering access to a wide range of support.
Responses to the consultation from children and young people were taken into account to develop the Future Model, including:
Actively engaging children and young people in the co-design of services and create more young person-friendly physical spaces;
Encourage participation in volunteering and help challenge perceptions of library services, and;
Build the capacity of staff to better support children and young people.
Councillors also heard that the changes have been based on consultations with adults and children and young people, which found that visits to libraries have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, with many choosing to visit libraries virtually rather than in person.