Appendix 3

Outcome of Libraries Review - Proposed Future Staffing Structure

1. Rationale for Change

A full review of Doncaster’s Library Service was completed December 2009-April 2010 which resulted in a proposed plan for improvement ‘Better Libraries, Better Lives’. The review looked at the current staff structure and the performance of the service and made recommendations based on extensive research, best practise and consultation with staff, elected members and trade unions.

The review’s key conclusions are that significant changes are needed to change the out-dated service delivery model which has been a major factor in the decline of library services in Doncaster and there is a need to refocus on delivering frontline services that meet the needs and expectations of the local community. The proposal was considered by the Executive Board on 4th August 2010 and it was agreed that an extensive public consultation would also occur to inform the future of the service and a libraries strategy. This work is now complete and the strategy, proposed staffing structure and the future service delivery model for the libraries will be considered by the Cabinet.

This coincides with the implementation of a new library management system which will replace the current outdated system in January 2011 providing a more automated and streamlined service. In addition to this, there is a need for Doncaster Council to save approximately £73 million over the next four years with £30 million achieved within 2011/12 and some of these efficiencies must be found from the library service. The staffing structure will obviously be subject to consultation with staff and trade unions.

2. Major Proposed Changes

a) Bibliographical ServicesDue to the introduction of new technology, increased supplier selection, direct delivery to libraries, relocation of the service to the central library and recommendations made within the review, the staff resources required for this support service will substantially reduce.

b) The Central LibraryThere are currently three senior managers responsible for different functions within the Central Library although they do have more extensive responsibilities across the borough. This paper proposes one manager with overall responsibility to ensure efficient resource management and a high quality customer experience. Self-service will also be introduced to enhance the service provided and provide efficiencies.

c) Community Libraries The management of the community libraries is currently split across three senior managers. The proposal is to reduce this to one as there will be less static sites and more consistency is required across the borough at a senior level. The daily operational elements of that role and the previous Senior Advisors who assisted will now be devolved to an Assistant in Charge at each library. The library services delivered at the prisons will also fall under the community libraries instead of being delivered in isolation although the specialist staff who complete this role will not change. Any outlet self-service facilities and mobile services will also be managed within this area.

d)Children and FamiliesAs recommended by the review, it is proposed that a more specific team for Children and Families is created. This will incorporate the current schools library service which will be relocated to the Central Library, reading development and learning functions and introduces a dedicated Children’s Librarian. This function will also include the provision of

children and family activities across the borough including adult learning and have responsibility for the Central Children’s Library which requires much improvement.

e) ManagementThis proposal reinstates a qualified Head of Libraries position and reconfigures the management function as recommended in the review but as the financial environment has changed, provides a more streamlined outcome as recommended by the recent Mirror Report commissioned by the Council which recommends an increase in direct reports and less tiers of staff.

f) Front-line StaffRevised job descriptions will be developed to ensure the staff are fully skilled in delivering library services, other Council services and providing excellent customer service. This will be done without diluting the core library skills required.

g) Use of VolunteersInitial outcomes of the public consultation reinforce that the use of volunteers is endorsed by the majority of our residents to assist in the delivery of the service therefore it is proposed that this will be a major feature of the service moving forward.

5. Structure Chart

The proposed structure chart is attached as appendix A.

6. Consultation

It is proposed that formal staff and trade union consultation starts immediately after the Cabinet decision.

Appendix A Proposed Library & Information Structure

Van Driver X1

Performance & Support

Officer

Support Assistant

Literacy &

Learning Officer

Volunteers

Library Assistants

Assistant in Charge

Volunteers

Prison Library

Assistant X2

Prison Library Officer

Library Assistants in

Charge

Mobile Services

Health services funded by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospital Foundations Trust

as they are currently.

Knowledge & Information Skills Officer

Prison services funded by HMPS as they are

currently.

School services funded by schools as they are

currently

Head of Libraries

Central Library

Manager

Cataloguer x 0.5

Systems & Performance

Assistant

Stock Maintenance Assistant x

1.5

Archivist Local Studies Officer

Library Operations Officer

Schools Librarian

Literacy & Learning Assistants X 7

Library Assistants

X 12.53

Children’s

Librarian

Children & Families Manager

Community Libraries Manager

Health Libraries Manager

Knowledge &

Resource Librarian

Knowledge & Library

AssistantsX4

Volunteers

Volunteers

Caretakers X2