Library Service joins first ever national development framework

Essex Library Service has joined the national Libraries Development Framework, one of just 19 other authorities in England to be part of the first cohort.

 

The framework is a new accreditation by Arts Council England. It supports libraries to innovate, meet community needs and strengthen consistency across the sector.

 

The council applied for the accreditation last year and 'strongly met' the criteria. It showed 'a broad range of impactful examples displaying a commitment to innovation and development’. This included an ‘effective understanding of the four sections of the framework’:

 

•            People – understanding our community and local needs

•            Place – creating local impact and responding to priorities

•            Purpose – clear vision, leadership and effective use of resources

•            Policy & Practice – upholding library values and developing our workforce

 

The council will now be involved in national networks to support the framework in the future.

 

Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture, said: “It is an honour to be involved with the formative days of this new national framework, which aims to help libraries across the country improve their services and make the sector more consistent. It is also testament to the innovation and commitment of our own Essex Library Service.

 

“Many libraries across Essex have evolved into community hubs, offering a range of community services and support as well as the core purpose of reading and learning opportunities. Our libraries have grown in popularity as a result, and we are very proud of the work of our library staff.

 

“There is much need for a Libraries Development Framework in England and I look forward to working with Arts Council England and other library services over the coming months.”