Some progress in Scrutiny discussion of Devon Libraries: new @LibrariesUnLtd CEO acknowledges ‘decline’ in book issues; and more data is to be made public.
A lengthy discussion at DCC’s Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee saw some progress in addressing the big issues that face Devon’s library service. Alex Kittow, the new head of Libraries Unlimited (the mutual which runs the service for DCC) did at least acknowledge the decline in book issues and the need to find funding to support the core of the service. Likewise, the cost of excessive cutbacks in opening hours in smaller libraries was recognised, while Simon Kitchen, the officer who leads on libraries for DCC, promised more open library-by-library data would soon be available.
It’s worth listening to the webcast of the session, in which councillors including myself and the Committee Chair, Alistair Dewhurst, probed Alex, Simon and Cllr Roger Croad, the Cabinet member responsible.
Seaton & Colyton MATTERS 