Library Strategy 2016 - 2021

Consultation was conducted on the Draft Library Strategy 2016-2021 between 31st August and 25th September 2016. An electronic and paper based survey was used to gather the views of current library users and non-users. A copy of the Draft Library Strategy 2016-2021 was published on the Council’s website with a link to an electronic survey and paper copies of both the draft strategy and survey were made available at Customer First Centres and libraries across North Tyneside. A copy of the draft Library Survey and a link to the electronic survey was also emailed directly to the North Tyneside Residents Panel members. Promotion of the consultation was carried out by the Council’s Communications Team via a press release to the local media, as well as promotion through the council’s social media accounts. The Libraries Service promoted the electronic links to the strategy and survey through their dedicated social media accounts. The response rate to the survey was very positive with 1,449 responses received during the consultation period. Out of the total number of respondents, 97% had either visited a library in North Tyneside or used online services. Only 51 respondents had not used any library services in North Tyneside within the past year.

Of the library users, 1260 had visited a library building and 312 had used online services within the last 12 months. The majority (65%) had visited a library or used online services weekly, 26% had done so monthly, 5% every 3 months and the remainder either every 6 months or about once a year. Respondents were questioned as to what extent they agreed or disagreed that libraries should provide services, activities or support relating to the six priorities within the Draft Library Strategy:-

• Priority 1: Books for the best start in life
• Priority 2: Reading to improve life chances
• Priority 3: Digital literacy
• Priority 4: Information for life
• Priority 5: Learning throughout life
• Priority 6: Libraries for a healthier life

The Books for the best start in life priority had the highest rated activities/services. The highest proportion of respondents 99.15%, strongly agreed or agreed that Libraries should provide children and young people with access to good quality books and resources. The 2nd highest proportion 96.59%, strongly agreed or agreed that Libraries should provide access to good quality books and resources to all library users. The 3rd
highest proportion of residents 95.35%, strongly agreed or agreed that Library should provide access to a wide range of information that residents can trust.

Learning throughout life was the priority with the lowest rated services/activities by respondents. The lowest rated activity identified through the survey was 63.23% strongly agreed or agreed that library should provide drop in sessions and health checks in partnership with the NHS and health charities. 10.6% strongly disagreed or disagreed that drop in sessions and health checks should be part of the library offer.

The 2nd lowest rated activity was 77.91% strongly agreed or agreed that libraries should provide ‘feel good’ book collections. 4.4% strongly disagreed or disagreed that this should be part of the library offer. The remaining 17.7% neither agreed nor disagreed the collections should be provided.

The 3rd lowest rated activity was 78.62% strongly agreed or agreed that library should give careers and job seeking support. 5.4% strongly disagreed or disagreed that this should be part of the library offer. The remaining 15.9% neither agreed nor disagreed the collections should be provided. The Cabinet Report and Minutes of the meeting 14 November 2016 are located at the link below.