Options Explored After Review of Library Services
Thursday, 04 February 2010
The working party set up to consider recommendations suggested for library services in Horowhenua is making positive steps for the future of the District’s libraries.
The Horowhenua Library Services Review was presented at Council’s December meeting for the elected representatives to become familiar with the scope of the review and its findings.
Recommendations were made on services, facilities and the structure required around affordability to meet future needs of the community.
The working party, made up of members of the Horowhenua Library Trust, two Councillors, and Council officers, has been looking at the recommendations which include:
- exploring the governance structure and whether the trust model is effective
- investigating sharing library services with neighbouring councils
- the future of smaller libraries and their placement in the community
- addressing the needs of teenagers
The Horowhenua Library Trust is keen to work with Council to identify the optimal service delivery model for library services in the Horowhenua.
Sharon Crosbie, Chairperson of the Horowhenua Library Trust says, “There are a number of options to consider taking into account many factors including the changing library scene, community input, shared service possibilities and other community facilities in the library space.”
The working party has agreed to engage an independent library advisor to provide concept support to the architects and developers of both Levin and Foxton developments, as recommended in the Horowhenua Library Services Review. Any decisions made on library service changes in Shannon and Tokomaru will not be made without consultation with both communities.
“The recommendations made in the Library Services Review are worthy of further consideration. The working party will continue discussions on the Library Service Review recommendations before reporting back to Council and the Horowhenua Library Trust,” Sharon Crosbie says.
Joann Ransom, Acting Head of Libraries, also gave a presentation at the December Council meeting on the library management system, KOHA . The presentation gave Councillors a better insight into the development of KOHA, what KOHA provided to its users and the benefits of KOHA being an ‘open source system.’ She also identified the cost to develop KOHA and its ongoing costs as well as the awards won by KOHA for excellence and innovation.