Recommendations to review the library services were supported by David Lammy, Minister for Culture, today. The independent report by PKF Accountants and business advisors, commissioned by DCMS and MLA, looked into public libraries efficiency and the stock supply chain.
DCMS and MLA support the recommendations made by the report to examine a case for national purchasing agency, streamline processes and extended opening hours, and pledge to work with the sector to help deliver these points.
Library services in England are provided by 149 local authorities, which vary greatly in size, in the composition of the community they serve. Taken together, all the public libraries in England account for only about 3% of book purchasing, compared to larger spend, and more bulk buying, by major bookshop chains. As it is, library services buy independently of each other, or in loose consortia.
PKF report found that efficiency gains and better value for money could be found, largely by library services throughout the country adopting the same processes and by purchasing books together. This would mean that the few companies which supply libraries with books at present would need to tender only once for the business, and could reduce the numerous different tasks which they currently undertake. The suppliers recognise that they could offer libraries better discounts for books if this happened.
David Lammy, Minister for Culture said:
"For libraries to be able to provide the best possible selection of books they need to purchase them at the most economical cost, and for this they need to adapt their ways of buying. By working together on joint orders and shared systems they could save between £7m and £20m that could be spent on more books or on other improvements such as longer opening hours.
"A public library should be a source of local pride and should provide a superb service - like the one I experienced in my youth. But with 149 different public library authorities operating numerous different supply systems, it is no surprise that some get better results than others. I want to support libraries to strive for a universal top standard."
Mark Wood, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Chair said:
"There are currently 149 library authorities doing things 149 ways. There must be room for streamlining and efficiency gains within this structure and for re-investing in the things that matter to library users. The PKF report makes some important recommendations and we look forward to working with library authorities and others to carry them forward."
Sir Jeremy Beecham, vice-chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA) and chair of the LGA Efficiency task group, said:
"The LGA welcomes the PKF report on efficiency in public libraries. We look forward to working with the MLA and local authorities to help improve value for money in book purchasing, whilst recognising the need for flexibility to cater for local needs and reflect the diverse range of communities and cultures. We are anxious that schools should be involved in new arrangements, where possible".
Rob Froud, President of the Society of Chief Librarians said:
"SCL looks forward to considering the report. We hope it will present real opportunities to achieve efficiency savings which can be re-invested in service improvements such as extended opening hours."