Strategy for the public library service
- Published on: 7 June 2022
- Open for submissions from: 7 June 2022
- Submissions closed: 9 July 2022
- Last updated on: 8 June 2022
Consultation is closed
We launched a public consultation on the development of a new strategy for the public library service.
The main objective of this consultation is to seek the views of the public and understand attitudes towards the library service. It will also seek feedback on how services can be improved along with access, use and visibility of the public library.
The consultation will assist in the development of a new Public Library Strategy which will be published next year. This strategy will underpin ongoing government and local authority investment in the public library service over the next five years.
Contribute to the strategy here
The new strategy will be the successor to ‘Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities’. As the progress made in the previous strategies has been substantial, it is important to build on the momentum of results and outcomes already achieved. A new strategy is required to tailor this in light of the very different circumstances, new challenges and opportunities which are emerging.
The new strategy is being developed in partnership with Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and will be published in early 2023. It will be a five-year plan for the period 2023-27 and will set the strategic context for further investment in library infrastructure, technology, programmes and services.
Scope of the consultation
The consultation is open to everyone in Ireland and internationally. A survey questionnaire will be widely publicised through various media to individuals and organisations, whilst a programme of workshops, focus groups and individual interviews will be held with key stakeholders.
The overarching purpose of the consultation programme is three-fold:
- To communicate and reflect on what has been achieved over the last five years and how things look now as libraries look forward to the next five years
- To consult on the proposed vision, mission, values and priorities to underpin the strategic context for the next five years
- To engage with stakeholders, staff and library users on identified themes and lines of enquiry to initially reflect on the current position, and then to identify potential areas for prioritisation and development