Agenda item

Derbyn adborth gan Lywodraeth Cymru mewn perthynas â chyflawniad y Gwasanaeth Llyfrgelloedd yn erbyn Safonau Llyfrgelloedd Cyhoeddus Cymru ar gyfer 2017-2018.

The Head of Community Service presented the feedback received from Welsh Government in respect of the Library Service’s performance against the Welsh Public Library Standards (WPLS) for the period 2017-18.

Members were reminded that at the Scrutiny meeting held in December 2018 an iterim report was presented as at that time the full assessment had yet to be published to the Welsh Government website.

The Head of Community Service reported that the Sixth Framework of Welsh Public Library Standards includes 12 core entitlements and 16 Quality Indicators designed to monitor how well library services provide for the people of Wales. From a Local Authority point of view Rhondda Cynon Taf met all of the 12 core entitlements in full, achieved 5 of the 10 quality indicators in full, 1 in part and failed to achieve 4.

It was stated that overall the Welsh Government’s narrative assessment of the local authority performance was positive however, the Head of Community Service acknowledged that a number of factors outside the immediate control of the service have had a major influence on the Council’s performance. The Library Service will not be able to meet the quality indicator on opening hours as reduced funding in 2016 has meant the opening hours have reduced. In respect of the ICT (QI11) it was reported that the decision was taken not to invest in any further public access computers as only 24% of the time was being used and library users are bringing their own devices into the libraries.

In respect of the al Wales data, set out at Appendix 3 of the report, the Head of Community Service commented that making comparisons with other local authority library services is difficult as they have developed their services in different ways.

A number of positive comments were received in respect of the improvements and investments made to the Library Service in RCT, specifically to the opening of the new facility at Rhydyfelin, the new development at Taff Vale and the planned community hubs at Ferndale and Mountain Ash. This long  term investment was considered a positive development. There has been an increase in the number of hours by volunteers, particularly young volunteers,  which has been evidenced in the Summer Reading Challenge.

Following the presentation the Head of Community Service responded to a number of queries in respect of staffing levels and investment in staff training with funding being made available for 2 members of staff to enrol onto a professionally recognised course.

Concern was raised that the 4% target on Welsh medium stock was not met. In response the Principal Librarian confirmed that the number of Welsh books obtained from the Welsh Books Council has increased, are prominently displayed and include a number of downloadable audio and e-books. He added that this stock did not include school age curriculum related books as these are costly, however the provision for e books is proving popular.

A Member asked for more publicity for the mobile library routes and timetable in the form of posters and leaflet drops to advertise the service in their area.

Following further discussion it was RESOLVED to acknowledge the content of the Annual Assessment report received from Welsh Government.