Vision, mission, aims and definition of a modernised reading service
- Vision
- Nationally agreed mission and aims for libraries’ reading work
- Definition of a modernised reading service – a self assessment tool
- Consumer toolkit – telling the public what they’re entitled to expect
Vision
Love Libraries explored an exciting new vision of a modernised reading service in England. A lively, interactive service, making libraries THE destination for reading in every community. A service going beyond book lending to include reading groups, author events, promotions, the summer reading challenge, Bookstart, adult literacy activities, book festivals...
This vision embraces the change that has happened after years of investment in the reader development movement. It's a vision created by fusing local, regional and national developments to serve readers better. It puts inspiring, supporting and involving readers at the heart of a modernized library role, in line with Framework for the Future’s emphasis on reading as a core function of public libraries. At the Love Libraries 2006 seminar, there were two speeches outlining the vision and the research base underpinning it.
Download Tony Durcan’s seminar speech Download Miranda McKearney’s seminar speech Download Miranda McKearney’s PPT TopNationally agreed mission and aims for libraries’ reading work
Mission
To bring reading to the heart of every community.
Aims
Pleasure and confidence; improving literacy and learning; strengthening communities;
opening up choice; health and well being; creativity and culture.
The mission and aims were developed by The Society of Chief Librarians in 2004, after extensive
consultation with readers and the sector. It forms the basis for all the Framework for the Future work
on improving the reading service.
Definition of a modernised reading service – a self assessment tool
As part of its Love Libraries work, The Society of Chief Librarians has created a self assessment tool to help library authorities focus on creating a modern reading service. Its themes cover: creating customer focused reading environments; engaging communities in creating a modernised reading environment; marketing the service to increase take up; leading a vibrant service; measuring and reviewing performance.
Download SCL document defining a modernised reading service TopConsumer toolkit – telling the public what they’re entitled to expect
During the 2006 Love Libraries project, the Society of Chief Librarians created a simple tool, to tell consumers, via the Love Libraries website, how libraries are changing, and what they are entitled to expect from their local library. This is a useful summary of the shared offer the library network can make to the public at the moment. The public can use it as a tool to get into a local dialogue about service improvements.
Download Love Libraries consumer toolkit Top
