Local authorities have responsibility for the delivery of the best possible public library service for their communities. The MLA campaigns for improved standards in libraries and will be working with key stakeholders over the next three months to deliver an action plan for change.

John Dolan, Head of Library Policy, MLA said, "There must be a clear sense of purpose and value endorsed by current and potential library users; policymakers; library managers and staff and all stakeholders, on what communities can expect from their community, urban and city libraries. This is critical to the future success of the public library service and positions their worth at the heart of future policies.

"At a time of increased pressure on local authority budgets and with the Local Government White Paper placing emphasis on improved delivery arrangements and services shaped around communities, it is time for the public library service to take a hard look at both its role in society and the services it can and should be providing to every citizen," said John Dolan.

The MLA is supporting and challenging local councils to develop a modernised service with three roles:
1. Community place: a high quality public place for reading, learning and discovery, bringing together communities, as individuals and families, with empowered and motivated staff committed to delivering customer focused products and services that are responsive to community needs

2. Development agency: successful partnerships with core service providers to offer a wider range of opportunities and services and develop the skills and knowledge of communities, including vulnerable and disadvantaged groups

3. Online library: 24 hour universal access to online reference services, through trusted library resources and expert help.

Minister for Culture David Lammy said, "The public library network in England continues to be immensely popular, with over 290 million visits last year. Yet it is also facing a number of important challenges, from the increasing diversity of consumer needs to sustained budgetary pressures. I support the MLA in issuing this paper for consultation, and look forward to seeing the results of the discussions."

President of Chartered Institute of Library Information Professionals (CILIP), Martin Molloy said, "On behalf of CILIP I am pleased to welcome the new policy direction being developed by MLA and other partners aimed at delivering public library services which will sustain existing users and attract new ones. This sets the challenges for all involved in the task of achieving excellence in our public libraries."

Chair of the Advisory Council on Libraries Michael Thorne said "The ACL welcomes the publication of the consultation document by MLA. We will be actively taking part and encouraging our members to contribute. A shared sense of purpose and role for public libraries will enable clearer direction for local authority funding and policy development."

Director of the Reading Agency and Member of the Advisory Council on Libraries Miranda McKearney said, "It's great to see the momentum building around library policy and development 2008 - 2011, and especially good to see a recognition of the significance of libraries' role in supporting readers. With such huge challenges facing the sector, we need MLA and DCMS to be providing strong strategic leadership, and this policy approach offers a focus for this."

To deliver improvement requires quality resources, services and facilities, effective leadership and an ongoing contribution to the priorities of local government provision. Crucial to these challenges is adequate funding. Investment in modernising libraries to improve the design, accessibility and presentation of services would reduce maintenance costs and increase visits through widening their appeal and attractiveness to users. In addition, the MLA is leading a national programme to improve stock procurement. Better Stock Better Libraries will enable libraries to obtain stock better matched to consumer needs, with estimated savings of over £20 million a year, which can be reinvested into local services.

Commenting on the consultation document, John Dolan said, "Exploring new service models, new approaches to delivery and evaluation and creating long-term partnerships does not requires a commitment to providing efficient and quality services, focused on consumer needs that will excite the library visitors of today and tomorrow." -- www.mla.gov.uk