Public Library Strategy 2018-2022

Introduction
Our Public Libraries 2022
Libraries Capital Programme

Introduction

The public library is a free service for everyone, available in libraries across the country. It's a local service with a nationwide reach – meaning members can use all services, including borrowing and returning, anywhere in the country.

Public libraries across the country:

deliver national literacy and reading programme Right to Read through a set of services and resources
deliver a national Work Matters programme of services for business and employment supports for locally based entrepreneurs, start-ups and jobseekers
deliver the Healthy Ireland at Your Library initiative – developing health information in public libraries, providing book-stock, e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines on health and well-being, as well as talks, discussions and workshops with a focus on physical health, mental health and health literacy
offer a national public library catalogue supported by a nationwide delivery service – items can be ordered online or in person and delivered quickly to the local library, the first such national service anywhere in the world

The online public library provides users with access to a large collection of free online resources:

over 33,300 eBooks and 25,200 eAudiobooks
over 4,000 magazines
2,500 online newspapers from over 100 countries
over 500 e-learning courses and 100 online language courses

There are two strategies for the development of public libraries in the coming years:

Our Public Libraries 2022

The new public library strategy Our Public Libraries 2022: Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities covers a five-year period from 2018 to 2022.

It is underpinned by four strategic objectives:

spreading information and literacy skills
promoting the library service as a key community resource
seeking to increase library membership and usage by individuals and communities
continuing investment in library buildings, technology and facilities

Libraries Capital Programme

Launched in 2016 and running until 2022, the Department’s Libraries Capital Programme is bringing investment of €29 million to 19 capital projects, including My Open Library.

Libraries will work with local partners to reach disadvantaged, marginalised and new communities, increasing these communities’ awareness of services available and firmly establishing the library as a resource that is accessible for all.

The strategy will be delivered by providing:

infrastructure and services with a focus on fit-for-purpose buildings and ICT capacity
library team development with skilled staff taking a more proactive and confident customer-focused approach
promotion and marketing, at national and local level, to raise visibility and awareness generally, but also to reach out to those communities that may not consider the library a place for them
high-quality collections based on the latest technology and innovative solutions, and
continued investment to support infrastructure, ICT, staffing and collections development

Public Library Strategy 2018-2022

Introduction

Our Public Libraries 2022

Libraries Capital Programme

Part of

Policies