Executive Meeting Minutes
Date/ Time:
Wednesday 17th Sept 2014
10am – 3.30pm
Location:
Manchester Central Library
Present: Ciara Eastell (Chair), Helen Drakard, Barry Clark, Neil MacInnes, Nick Stopforth, Lesley Sim, Brian
Gambles, Carol Boswarthack, Ayub Khan, Sue Lawrence, Sarah Mears, Andrew Bignell, Janene Cox, Julie
Spencer, Tony Durcan, Ian Watson, Bev Rice, Martin Burton, Alison Wheeler, Irene Campbell, Peter Gaw,
Sally McMahon, Elizabeth Elford, Eve Jarvis
Apologies: Mark Freeman, Simon May, Michelle Alford
Item
Subject
SCL/Creative Society: Internship Proposal - Simon Bunney, The Creative Society
Simon presented the SCL’s internship proposal giving background to The Creative Society and The
Creative Employment programme (presentation attached).
1
Key points from discussion –
 A minimum of 50 internship places would need to be found in order to make the project
viable.
 The current funding programme runs until March 2015.
 Where LA’s have recruitment freezes in place library services would not be in a position to
recruit an intern but may be interested in hosting an intern if they could be recruited and
employed externally.
Actions
SCL to circulate FAQ’s, draft job descriptions and expression of interest forms.
The Creative Society to investigate the possibility of employing interns to allow library services
with recruitment freezes to offer internships.
Save the Children Campaign - Mora McLagan, Save the Children
Mora McLagan gave some background to Save the Children (StC) and the ‘Read On Get On’
campaign (presentation attached).
2
Save the Children had identified two ways they hoped public libraries and SCL would be able to
contribute to the campaign.
1. StC hoped to be able to draw on the role libraries play as community hubs and start a
dialogue with families about getting involved in the campaign.
2. StC would like to ask libraries for help to gather evidence to support the campaign. Mora
explained they were planning to carry out further research to investigate if there is a
correlation between literacy levels and access to free books and StC hoped libraries would
be able to help with this.
Key points from discussion –
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Suggested that the data collected as part of the Summer Reading Challenge evaluation
would be useful and could possibly be used to support the campaign.
The wider local government community recognised as a key potential stakeholder.
Role of libraries in providing free reading to a wide range of demographic groups
emphasised.
Libraries could play a key role as a broker for local coalitions as they already have strong
partnership with many relevant local organisations and groups.
Wolfson pilots currently taking place in Manchester and Birmingham flagged up as having
a potential impact on the campaign.
Role of library staff offering support to families choosing books, recommending books and
inspiring children to read.
StC asked to reference libraries in their communications around the Read On Get On halfterm events. Most libraries will already have activities planned as part of their annual
event programme.
Actions
Elizabeth to contact the StC communications team.
Janene to discuss how the Summer Reading Challenge data could be shared with StC.
SCL will inform members of outcomes from the discussion.
Ciara to put StC in touch with the LGA.
A member of the STC’s policy team invited to attend the next Books and Reading group meeting
to work towards a more developed plan for SCL involvement.
Envisioning and Sieghart Review
Janene updated the Executive on the work so far. The report will be signed off and passed to
Government in the next few weeks. The report will initially be confidential but the key areas have
been well trailed by William in various public presentations.
3
Universal Wi-Fi
There had been an impressive response to requests for information regarding current picture
around Wi-Fi. From the data to date, it appears that approx. 50% of libraries now have Wi-Fi.
Recognise that any potential investment would need to cover staff training and potentially
ancillary investment (e.g. power sockets).
Next stage for Universal Offers
Ciara presented the plans for spending the £155,000 of ACE Envisioning funding by April 2015 to
further develop the Universal Offers.
Sally queried the amount allocated to the Universal Information Offer (UIO). Action: Ciara to
confirm
Community involvement models
Key points from discussion –
 It would be helpful for library services to share best practice. Potential to run a
masterclass to share experiences from a range of library services.
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Business Meeting
Reading Offer
Reading Journeys
Sarah updated the Executive on the Reading Journeys research project, which has emerged
following the findings of the Automatic Library Membership research and which is being funded
by the additional Envisioning funding for the Universal Offers. The research will look at how
children’s reading can be sustained across the age groups through improved join up between
various reading programmes (e.g. Bookstart, SRC, etc.). Acknowledged this work could usefully
feed into the Read On Get On campaign.
4.
Considering sponsorship of Reading Agency programmes
The Reading Agency has been approached by a potential sponsor for one of their programmes
and has hosted an initial discussion with SCL and ASCEL representatives. Before TRA moves
forward with further stakeholder engagement on the issue, SCL Exec were asked to consider the
potential benefits and risks.
Key points:
 Agreed that there was value in suitable commercial sponsorship but need to consider for
what and the potential value
 Important that any partner has a good reputation and is a good match for the
programme.
 Sponsorship funding should only be used for added value services to ensure there is no
risk of losing core funding for services.
Action: Ciara to feed back to Sue Wilkinson
Reading Activists & Youth Libraries Board
Michelle was unable to attend the meeting but feedback from the Executive members who had
been involved in the Reading activist programme was positive.
Action: Helen to circulate notes from both updates
Health Offer
World Mental Health Day: Launch of BOP results
The Books on Prescription first year evaluation report was signed off.
5.
Key points:
 Almost all library services have now signed up to BOP and SCL members were asked to
promote the scheme to those that had not.
 Books are issuing well. Some library services had only used a small number of leaflets.
 Now fully up and running operationally, there is now potential to undertake further
outreach to ensure the scheme is reaching those who might potentially benefit.
 Work is being undertaken at a national level to further engage with the health sector
including the introduction of a code for BOP on GP’s electronic prescription system.
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Actions
Elizabeth drafting template press release for use locally on 10th Oct for World Mental Health
Day.
Dementia Offer Development
A list of titles has been circulated for ordering purposes. National launch being planned for the
end of Jan 2015 using a similar approach to that used for the BOP launch.
The list can be shared with health colleagues before then but it is important that the list not be
made public until the launch in January.
Digital Offer – Nick Stopforth/Ciara Eastell
Digital Proposition and Digital Leadership Programme
Nick explained that SCL had held two workshops following the last Exec to enable SCL to engage
with a wide range of stakeholders around a digital proposition for libraries, building on the initial
work around a single digital presence for public libraries. As a result of these workshops, the
digital offer is now being focused around some key areas of work:
1. An advocacy statement/digital charter around current SCL commitment around digital
and indicating direction of travel
2. A more evolved digital strategy using key elements from the Digital Leadership research
undertaken by Shared Intelligence and findings from the workshops.
3. A ‘Single Digital Presence’ website (ideas for a new name welcomed) to pull together core
customer facing content (currently held in a variety of different places).
4. A digital leadership skills programme for current and emergent leaders (funded through
the ACE Envisioning funding). Timescales are tight - aim to tender in October, interview in
November and roll the training out from January.
6.
Key points:
 Advocacy statement could be very useful tool at a local level. Consideration needs to be
given re. intended audience and to reflect the full range of digital activities as well as
transactional activities.
 Nick is pursuing a dialogue with SOCITM.
 Neil and Brian had been involved in the work with the Strategic Content Alliance (SCA), an
ambitious project involving a range of organisations such as BBC & BL to create a digital
public space.
Actions for Nick:
Nick to amend advocacy piece/digital charter and share, at the right time, with stakeholders who
attended the July workshop.
Further work on the digital proposition/single digital presence
ITT to be develop a digital leadership skills training programme to be further developed.
Agreed that ‘21 Things’ can use the SCL logo.
RNIB to be invited to future Exec meeting to discuss RNIB Overdrive and other RNIB initiatives.
Agreed that the OUP license be promoted to schools.
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Chicago Project
Nick outlined the potential for a collaboration with Chicago Public Library regarding sharing
expertise around their Wi-Fi project. External funding sources will be sought.
Brian noted that Birmingham is twinned with Chicago so there may be some pre-existing funding
which may make this a possibility for Birmingham. Action: Nick to pursue funding sources
E-lending Pilots
Janene gave an update on the pilots. First quarters results were now available and indications
were positive. A public report will be produced at the end of October after 6 months. A
partnership meeting had been held on 18th Aug which had been positive.
Information Offer
Work Force Development Rollout
7.
Eve updated members on the progress of the project.
Key points –
 Learning platform was launched on 1st Sept.
 There have been a few glitches but these have been fixed.
 Feedback shows that people are already using the online courses.
 Need to look further at the detail of the implementation and communications.
 A few adjustments are needed to how the online course works and looks.
 Noted that some library services may find it difficult to hit the end March target but
agreed that the target should be maintained and regional plans and trainers could provide
support to any library services who need help.
 Regional plans are required to show the number of people being trained and the number
of modules they have completed. The regional plans should also be used to inform the
working group if there are any areas struggling to reach the targets and flag up by how
much they are going to have slipped.
 Ways to keep the programme up to date are being considered and funding has been
allocated to do this.
 Library staff taking part in face to face training must also complete the online modules to
get their certificate to show that have the necessary digital skills.
 Front facing staff should be the priority for the first wave of training but other staff and
potentially volunteers could be offered the training in the second phase.
 Some local authorities are looking to introduce similar training for other customer facing
staff. Query as to whether library services could offer this training to wider local authority
staff. It was agreed this would be investigated and that as it would give libraries the
opportunity to show their leadership in this area and raise their profile within their local
authority.
 Exec acknowledged the achievement of getting this far with the project.
Actions
Eve to send further briefing for regional leads.
Working group to investigate offering the training to wider council staff.
Information for Living
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3 Sept 2014
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Sally updated members on the Information4Living project
Key points:
 The website is now live but it doesn’t have much content and hasn’t been signed off.
 There had been some problems with postcode searching but these have been fixed and
when entering your postcode the website should now direct you to the correct library
service.
 Guidelines for adding content will be circulated soon.
 The website is aimed at both staff and customers.
 There needs to be a commitment from HOS as local staff time will be needed to add data.
 The URL is http://information4living.org.uk/ This will be accessible via the SCL website
(and ultimately incorporated into the digital proposition) and can also be embedded in
Library Services’ own websites.
Update on Big Lottery Basic Skills Online bids
The results of the bids have been delayed until next week.
Research and Best Practice on Digital by Default/Universal Credit
Further discussion is needed to form a proposal.
Reference Online Update
Ayub updated members on the reference online project.
Key points:
 The group is looking for additional suppliers who may be interested in getting involved.
 The name ‘Digital Library’ has been proposed as not all the information is traditional
reference resources. It was agreed that the name needed to be meaningful to the public.
 There are a series of half day workshops planned. SCL’s regional representatives were
asked to arrange a location, select a date, set the programme and gather feedback from
their region. There is £100 per region to cover running costs and suppliers have already
signed up to attend.
 More marketing and advocacy is required to make people aware of the resources
available.
Actions
Regional reps asked to select a 1st and 2nd choice for dates from the list Ayub has provided and
send their preferences to Helen. Action: Regional reps
Elizabeth to help produce a simple document for library staff.
Elizabeth to approach the Bookseller about an article to launch the service.
Learning Offer - Development of Universal Learning Offer
8.
Alison updated member on the Universal Learning Offer.
Key Points:
 A group had met earlier to begin work on the new offer and it was agreed that the core
working group will be Alison, Ciara, Neil, Sarah and Peter with support from Nick as
appropriate
 An ITT is being prepared to commission research into the scope of a Learning Offer; the
baseline that libraries might be expected to offer and the added value/innovation they
could work towards; identification of relevant stakeholders and funders and horizon
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scanning of relevant policy priorities. The aim is to appoint mid Nov and work towards a
launch of the offer in Feb 15.
Ideas on how to capture the required information were discussed including suggesting
questions to CIPFA and involving libraries in an ACE project to survey arts organisations.
Actions
Alison to draft ITT
Neil to talk with Brian Ashley re. ACE project.
BBC Learning
Julie and Neil are attending a meeting later this week.
CAB/SCL Workshop
There is a joint CAB SCL workshop running on 6th Oct to encourage local and national
partnerships. A representative from each region had been asked to attend.
Advocacy
Improvements to Website & Advocacy Publications
Elizabeth updated members on plans to improve the website.
Key points:
 Following on from the website update that took place a year ago Elizabeth is working with
the designer to implement some of the suggestions around improved content made by
Ben Lee as part of digital leadership research.
 A4 & A5 brochures advocacy brochures are available along with a CD containing the files
which can be adapted for your library service. These can all be ordered from Elizabeth.
 Some new photos are being commissioned to bring advocacy materials and website up to
date. Library services can use these images in their own promotions but must credit the
library service where they were taken.
Actions
Members to contact Elizabeth to order advocacy materials if required.
Members to send any case studies they would like adding to the website to Elizabeth.
9.
Meeting with Helen Goodman MP
Ciara and Ayub updated members on their meeting with Helen Goodman. They felt the meeting
had been positive and they had been able to share the advocacy materials with her.
Stakeholder Meeting
Ciara updated members on the meeting that took place in July. The meeting had been positive
with the stakeholders asking for more advanced notice of what the SCL is doing. The expressed
concern about CIPFA and have fed back some suggestions. They are awaiting the findings of the
Sieghart report.
CIPFA
SCL to pursue CIPFA issues raised at seminar and by stakeholders. Need to do this before Dec in
order to influence 2015 survey.
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Carnegie Innovation Masterclass
Ciara updated members on the recent Innovation Masterclass. The event had been well attended
with all 70 places filled. Closing date for Carnegie Library Lab applicants is end of Sept. Ciara is on
Advisory Panel.
Ed Vazey
There is a meeting between SCL members and Ed Vazey on 21st Oct. Topics to be raised are –
 Health Launch
 Wi-Fi
 CIPFA
 Digital War Memorial – next stage
Digital War Memorial
Ciara updated members on the Digital War Memorial project. The memorial had been launched at
the British Library on 8th Sept. The launch had been well attended and both Ed Vazey and Alan
Davey gave very positive speeches about the project. Councillor Ian Stephens who is the new
Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Board also attended.
A further bid to fund involvement by other library services will be submitted to ACE. It needs to
demonstrate innovation and not just replicate the first project. There are a number of partners
that are keen to get more involved including the BL and IWM.
Shakespeare Week Proposal
10.
Ayub updated members on the Shakespeare bid to ACE. This year the project targeted schools
and next year it aims to involve public libraries. The 2015 bid is modest with the intention to apply
for more finding in 2016 if successful.
Key points:
 The proposal could be amended slightly to incorporate all of England.
 Suggested that a day rather than a week would offer a more focussed promotion and may
attract increased publicity and involvement.
Action: Ayub to amend bid and submit to ACE.
SCL Seminar 2015 & 2014 Evaluation
Feedback from the SCL Seminar 2014 was very positive. Working group meeting taking place at
the end of October to start planning the 2015 event.
Access to Research Journals
11.
Irene updated members on the Access to Research project
Key points –
 Irene has written to all 28 library services that had not taken part in the project. Steady
trickle of these now joining the project.
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Case studies people can relate to are required to help promote the project.
Irene highlighted that the resources would be useful for local authority colleagues and
asked members to promote the project within their LA.
The project will be promoted to specialist librarians and the following other groups were
also suggested for future promotions – Open University, U3A, WA, IAML & CILIP.
Actions
Regional Chairs to approach library services not participating to encourage involvement.
Irene to circulate the latest statistics.
Members asked to send Irene any case studies suitable for using to promote the project.
Member asked to send Irene details of any useful contacts for promotion to specialist groups.
Irene to approach CILIP to discuss promotion to specialist librarians.
Elizabeth to discuss communications with Access to Research.
Ciara to have introductory meeting with Sarah Faulder from PLS.
External Environment
Post Envisioning Partnership – Meeting scheduled for 22/9/14
Economic impact research
ACE has commissioned additional economic impact research. Workshop taking place in London
on 1st October. SCL asked to supply 12 – 15 people to attend. Action: Helen to circulate request.
12.
Wolfson Public Libraries Initiative
Neil updated members on the Wolfson initiative. Birmingham and Manchester Libraries have each
been given £250,000 to upgrade their children’s libraries. The project is tracking how the
investment impacts on literacy of children in local communities.
Byelaws
Work continuing with DCMS on updating bye-laws. Action: Janene to discuss with DCMS
AOB
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Civil Society – Perry Walker from the New Economics Foundation is meeting with SCL
West Midlands to discuss potential project involving libraries around civil society.
CILIP E-Safety – There is a roundtable event on 30th Sept to discuss e-safety.
Actions – Let Helen know if you would like to attend.
STEMnet – They have been working with schools using a mentoring scheme to encourage
the take up of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). They are
looking to expand their project and work with libraries.
Simon to update guidance on SCL expenses.
Dates of Meetings in 2014
November 26th – CILIP
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Dates of Meetings in 2015
January 21st
March 25th
3rd Sept 2014
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