London Cultural Improvement Programme

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London Cultural Improvement Programme Transformin
g Londons Public Library Services Sue
Thiedeman London Cultural Services Improvement
Manager
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Londons library services some facts

• 385 public library sites in London (inc 21 mobile
  libraries)
• 1 library for 19,513 people (England average
  14,528)
• 99 of Londoners live within 1 mile of a public
  library
• 1998 2008 40 new libraries built
• Many services constantly evolving
• Book loans slightly lower than UK average but
  visits approx 20 higher (and increasing during
  recession)
• Wide variations in deployment of staff,
  processes, needs and costs across all 33 boroughs

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Londons library services more facts
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of population satisfied or fairly satisfied
with libraries

• England 69.0 London - 67.6
• Source CLG Place Survey 2008
• of population visiting Libraries at least once
  per
• annum (N19)
• England - 48.5 London - 51.9
• Source Active People Survey 2008

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On the edge of change

• London and General Elections 2010
• Unprecedented reduction in funding

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Londons library services need for change

• Londons libraries cost over 40 higher per head
  than UK average
• Best practice not in place across London
• Plans in place to re-design, work
  collaboratively, share back office arrangements
  but not yet systematic
• Some authorities have invested in technology that
  makes joint working harder
• Large variations in deployment and costs of staff
  
• Library service unusual as more open to global
  and web-based competition and other forms of
  governance

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An opportunity for the London Library Change
Programme

• New ways of working and innovation
• Shared services
• Use of technology
• Strategic commissioning

London Library Change Programme is building a
platform for change
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London Library Change Programme overview

• Aims to bring all 33 services up to the levels of
  the best
• Aims to reduce overheads and improve services
  through increased collaboration and improved
  processes
• Aims for a systematic approach to having the
  right staff and skills in place to engage better
  with communities
• Has widespread support and is a bottom up
  approach
• Began in 2007 with recognition of value for money
  issues, followed by a feasibility study
• Is part of the London Cultural Improvement
  Programme (www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/networks/lcip
  /programme)

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London Cultural Improvement Programme

• Phase 1 London Cultural Improvement Programme
• CSIT Peer Led Challenge
• London Cultural Data Access Review Project
• Measuring Social Outcomes
• Advocacy
• LA Museums Improvement Programme

• Phase 2 Delivering Value through Londons
  Cultural Services
• Working with Childrens Services
• Heritage Change Programme
• London Events Network and Training
• Marketing Culture for the Visitor Economy
• Improving Fundraising Capability

Phase 3 Next steps implementing learning
London Library Change Programme Phase 1
Feasibility Phase 2 Efficiency
Projects Phase 3 Implementation
Jan 2008
2010/11
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London Library Change Programme partners
governance

• Library Change Programme Board
• David Brownlee - London Councils
• Ken Cole Capital Ambition
• Rosemary Doyle LB Islington
• Diana Edmonds LB Haringey
• Andrew Holden MLA London (Chair)
• Cllr Lucy Ivimy LB Hammersmith Fulham
• Sue Mackenzie LB Brent London Libraries
• Cllr Flick Rea LB Camden
• Cllr Geraldine Reardon LB Waltham Forest
• David Ruse LB Westminster

• Reference Groups
• Captial Ambition Efficiency
• Board Senior London
• Treasurers Group
• LCIP Board
• London Cultural Improvement Group
• London CLOA
• London Councils Culture, Tourism 2012 Forum
• LCP working groups

Supported by London Libraries, Audit Commission,
IDeA, DCMS, GLA, Londons Local Authority Chief
Executives
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London Library Change Programme emerging vision

• London citizens will continue to have free
  access to the printed word through the public
  library service. Improved processes and
  technology, and a revitalised workforce will be
  harnessed to provide a range and depth of
  resources that is tailored to the needs of
  Londoners and delivered in ways that best meet
  their needs, whether at the library, delivered to
  the home or workplace, or made available online
  via a range of devices.

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London Library Change Programme Phase 2

• An examination of costs, structures and
  deployment of the workforce (CfE)
• An examination of procurement processes and
  standards, including the inter-library lending
  service (Red Quadrant)

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London Library Change Programme implementing
change whats needed

• Borough commitment to reaching best practice
  standards
• Library leadership for London real political
  will, public support and shared determination
• A burning platform
• An appropriate body or structure to manage medium
  to longer-term change
• Willingness to consider all options and make hard
  decisions

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Potential Models for Change

• Front end services
• Improving management
• Customer services processes
• Using technology
• Back end services
• shared service functions
• Common functions / standards
• Structural change

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Potential Options for Action

• Share Best Practice
• Change in management structures
• Shared management structures
• Shared Back office services
• Replace Inter Library Loans with reciprocal
  London Borrowing

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Potential Benefits