All the library authorities in Gtr Manchester are taking part in a ‘Future Libraries’ pilot with the following aim;
Working Together – Greater Manchester Libraries(Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan)The project will conduct a feasibility study and options appraisal to identify efficiency savings and customer service improvement opportunities and consider alternative governance models. This work will identify business models for a collaborative approach to library services for the Greater Manchester Region that will maintain and improve these statutory services. These models would be flexible enough to allow involvement of other library authorities and/or cultural organisations within the NW region.The future model whilst acknowledging local accountability will go beyond delivering current services at less cost. It must release capacity to transform the services in order to invest in new developments that fit with social, economic and technological change. A vibrant, high quality, relevant and economically sustainable service for the 21st century is the ultimate aim. Improving services together; enhancing quality together; achieving value together.
There’s an opportunity with this pilot to really engage on the role of ‘the library’ at the heart of a community. What do you think?
Is the library just another service which we use occasionally or perhaps not at all? Perhaps it’s no more special than having access to an MOT garage?
Personally I believe libraries are special but we need to get more out of them; and I do welcome the challenge of trying to achieve this.
Mike Cordingley
I love hearing your views