Libraries Changing Lives

Christine Clark July 2010

Background

Gateways to Learning (G2L) 2005-07 Gateways to Learning II (G2L2) CyMAL Seminar February 2008 Convergence European Funding 2008-09 Presenting the IMPACT of your Library

Gateways to Learning II

All Wales Build on G2L

Giving the public access to knowledge Supporting the equality, inclusion and

sustainability agendas Citizen-focused, accessible, community-based

resources Supporting basic, key, information skills Not just repositories for books Effective, efficient conduits for information

Too Big for One Library Service to Lead

Convergence European Funding 2008-09

Collaboration with external partners Tackling Economic Inactivity through

Libraries Identified suitable Convergence projects as

examples Bridges into Work,

New Learning Network

QWEST Building on G2L with Partners

Lessons Learnt

Lacked specific evidence to support business case

Information available but Usually from ‘library’ perspective Not in one place No standard format

Assumption people know what libraries do Premises not Partnership Competitive ‘Silos’

Presenting the IMPACT of your Library

Toolkit that Demonstrated the added value of the Library

Service across a range of potential projects, with the aim of increasing external organisations’ awareness of the contribution that libraries can make to key Welsh Assembly Government policies.

Gave Library services the information to position themselves with partners and outside agencies to take full advantage of both European and other external funds. Make use of Existing Material

Objective of Toolkit

Information that can be re-used or adapted Not starting from blank page Provide ideas via good practice Highlight statistical information Signpost opportunities for funding Something to talk about

Contents of Toolkit

National Strategic Drivers facing Library Services

Key Messages How Libraries support the ‘One Wales’

Strategic Objectives and impact the lives of individuals and communities (Case Studies)

Digital Divide Sources of Evidence Sources of Funding

Key Messages Libraries:-

Support all the key Wales strategies One Wales Agenda across most themes Beyond the Boundaries & Making the Connections Wales Spatial Plan

Need to emphasis their attributes Free at the point of delivery Local = sustainable development Engaging hard to reach groups Community cohesion and equalities agendas Key referral point for isolated learners

Case Studies

Designed to demonstrate impact Why the project was selected What is special about it What the libraries did The difference they made The reasons for their success Photographic evidence Statistical evidence Contact details

Wealth of choice in examples as libraries put PEOPLE first

Macmillan Cancer Support - Cwmbran Promote Torfaen, Cwmbran and

the library Understand Macmillan's

objectives Be aware of health needs in LA

Cwmbran Library is situated in the popular and well used shopping centre which has free parking,

excellent road and public transport links. Many high street shops and the leisure centre are located under one roof. Retailers

in the centre include Asda, Sainsbury’s and B&Q all of which are within walking distance of the

library.

Teenagers in Treorchy

‘Young People in Treorchy have been

given the opportunity to create their own library, with its own entrance, activities

and furnishings, and designed by the young people themselves.’

Blaina Adult Literacy GroupThe group has been life changing for its members,

removing their sense of isolation, connecting them with the library and giving

them an interest and purpose. Members initially lacking the

confidence to become involved are now are ‘active

citizens’, taking part in Health Promotion Wales health

checks, meeting with the PACT (community safety)

officers and interested in their own well-being.

Hints and Tips

Impact on people first then library attribute

Put potential project into a wider strategic context

Use the language of partners

External information adds weight to case

Use numbers people can visualise

Use ‘for you this means’

Examples

Change statements to read for Age UK, Jobcentre Plus, Basic Skills Agency and Children's Charity

There are libraries in most communities in Wales. Public libraries support adult community learning and

informal learning for people of all ages. At a library everyone can study the subject of their choice, in their own time, at their own pace.

Committed staff are trained to assist, whether it be to help find a book, information or provide advice.

Information Literacy Case Studies support which themes?

What difference did it make?

Remember

Libraries Do

Change Lives!