Developing Community‐led Public Libraries: Evidence from the UK and Canada

Citation

Neville, K. (2013), "Developing Community‐led Public Libraries: Evidence from the UK and Canada", Library Review, Vol. 62 No. 6/7, pp. 449-451. https://doi.org/10.1108/LR-04-2013-0054

A community‐led public library engages with their local residents and provides targeted services to meet the specific needs of the population. Currently, public libraries are in a state of change with diminishing budgets, reduced borrowing statistics and increased demands from councils to provide community services and meeting places for the local population. A community‐led service model allows a local library to provide extra services to the public by assessing requirements, collaborating with community stakeholders and then developing custom‐built programs to meet the local needs. Developing Community‐led Public Libraries: Evidence from the UK and Canada is a new work that helps to summarize clearly the theory of a needs‐based library service model, and outlines the steps required to implement a programme in a public library. The book includes many examples from the UK and Canada that illustrate the practical application of the theory and help to clarify the theoretical concepts into a useful service model that could be implemented in a public library in any country.

This book evolved from a collaboration between two authors: John Pateman, an experienced public library professional with over 30 years' experience, and Ken Williment, Manager at Halifax Public Libraries, with the aim of providing a handbook for libraries who are implementing a system of community programmes. Pateman was part of the research team of the innovative programme, Open to All? The Public Library and Social Exclusion, and Williment was a leading member of the Working Together programme in Canada that was inspired by Pateman's original programme. The book provides an overview of both Open to All? and Working Together programmes, and can be used as a practical guide for librarians creating community‐led library services.

Public libraries have an increasingly important role to promote life‐long learning and build connections to the local community through public spaces, and to provide services to diverse community groups, including new immigrants and disadvantaged groups with special needs. Yet often these groups feel excluded as they see libraries as bureaucratic and unfriendly government institutions. The important issue of library image and identity is discussed in Chapter 4 where the authors outline the barriers that prevent patrons from using the library services. They argue that libraries have a tendency to target services towards the tastes, values and attitudes of the mainstream patrons thereby inadvertently excluding groups such as the educationally disadvantaged. By addressing the main barriers to access – institutional, personal, social, and environmental – public libraries can create a more inclusive library service.

Many public libraries have attempted to become more flexible and relevant by reinventing themselves as information and community centres in an effort to reach new patrons. For example, an inner city London area used a new approach by rebranding the local library which had poor usage as an “Idea Store” with a new layout, modern furniture and design along with retail opening hours seven days a week. Another in Hampshire developed into a “Discovery Centre” with a museum, library, café, art gallery and community centre together – a “one‐stop‐shop”. Co‐location of library services with other government or leisure services in the form of a “community hub” was a key point in the original Open to All? programme. While these innovative examples of the new style of information centre are a step forward, the authors maintain that libraries need to engage with community groups to “involve rather than impose on the community” and develop “bespoke” programmes and priorities with adaptable designs, access and hours of service (p. 63). Emphasis on literacy, children's services and “long‐stay” use of libraries with toilets, cafes and quiet areas are also important requirements of community‐centred libraries. The authors emphasize that while it is important to focus on groups with the greatest need, it is also essential to retain current library patrons, bring back lost users, and engage with new users. Consultation and collaboration is necessary using methods such as advisory committees, formal and informal focus groups, working with community service providers.

The steps in developing a community programme are clearly outlined in the text which includes consultation with stakeholders, needs assessment, library image, staffing, recruitment, training and developing standards. Each topic in the process is covered in depth in a chapter of the book leading towards the “blueprint for change” (Chapter 11) and a roadmap towards community library services (Chapter 12). This final chapter summarises the theory and research into practical ideas to implement a needs‐based programme. The combination of theory and real‐world examples make this book a worthwhile purchase for both public libraries and for academic libraries, especially those with an information services faculty.

Developing Community‐led Public Libraries: Evidence from the UK and Canada provides a practical guide for library staff creating a needs‐based library service with the organizational structure, strategy and clear policy that will meet local community requirements by creating long‐term relationships with targeted groups in the community. This book provides thought‐provoking ideas and case studies that can be considered by public libraries to help them adapt and change to provide the services their local community requires and become a flexible multi‐purpose community and information centre.