Dorset Council has begun the latest phase of its Library Strategy implementation, working with Library colleagues to invest in the development of the workforce and volunteers to deliver services that meet the needs of Dorset’s communities in the future.
The new Dorset Council Library Strategy has been shaped using over 12,000 responses to two extensive public consultations , as well as a Needs Assessment. It was adopted in July 2023, and looks to the future of Dorset’s libraries and how they can meet the needs of residents and communities over the next 10 years.
The strategy was created in collaboration with customers, local communities, employees, businesses, partners, and councillors, with no proposed branch closures or reduction in overall operating hours.
In this phase of the Library Strategy Action Plan, Dorset Council is aiming to ensure:
- Each employee feels valued and empowered, with career opportunities in the library service and Dorset Council more broadly.
- Develop flexible resourcing across our library network, enabling employees to develop a range of skills and experience.
- Offer inclusive routes to employment and development opportunities via apprenticeship programmes.
- Building a strong partnership with, and wholly value the contribution of, our volunteers to the library service.
To bring this to life, Dorset Council has begun the process of developing its workforce to meet the aims and aspirations of the strategy. A Workforce Development plan will be produced, and the Council will be looking to utilise library employee’s strengths with shared learning and rotation throughout the network of the 23 Dorset Council libraries and 8 community managed libraries.
In the future there are also plans to develop library employees via apprenticeship programmes, pathway to employment, work experience and other national initiatives which build relevant skills for the service and for careers within the council.
Further opportunities to promote volunteering in the library service will also be explored.
The changes, including the previously proposed opening hours, will start to come into effect from summer 2024, and will be communicated to local residents ahead of implementation.
Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities, said:
“Libraries make a real difference to the live of people in Dorset, from Rhyme Time for toddlers to digital literacy lessons for the elderly. The new strategy seeks to provide Dorset communities with a library service that is modern, sustainable, and accessible.
“This latest phase of the Action Plan, where we work directly with library colleagues who deliver these services to the public, is vital. Our workers need to be given support to ensure our library service is fit for the future, empowering them to make the necessary changes to best meet the needs of our customers and communities.
“I’m also looking forward to working with our brilliant Libraries colleagues to explore how we can develop and nurture the wealth of skills and talent we already have the in service.”
For more information you can read a copy of the library strategy, operating model, proposed opening hours and action plan on the Dorset Council website.
