Moray Council consults on future of library services
Moray Council is consulting on proposals to transform library services across the region.
The redesign of the current service includes a network of four area libraries (Elgin, Forres, Aberlour and Buckie); a new rural community outreach service within the seven areas where branches are proposed to close (Burghead, Cullen, Dufftown, Keith, Lossiemouth, Fochabers [Milnes], and Tomintoul); and continued development of a housebound service.
These proposals have been drawn up following extensive engagement in November 2023 and early 2024. The new survey is to gather feedback on the specific proposals while considering the implications for different community groups. The survey is open from 13 November until 1 December 2024.
Alongside an initial saving of staffing and central service costs of £376,000. The savings would be offset against the investment in the community outreach service and extension of opening hours at Aberlour of around £101,000. The sale of the Dufftown and Keith facilities would generate a one-off income stream.
The outreach service model will be designed based on further feedback from residents and service-users but is likely to be an outreach offering reaching the heart of rural communities. The service could be tailored to local needs for example, activities and programmes delivered to specific groups; community pop up library services with a range of resources and support/advice; event attendance/support; and digital inclusion by access to device borrowing.
The initial proposal means a reduction in staffing of eight Library and Information Assistants (3.84FTE) and two cleaners (0.47FTE). Further consolidation of central support staff may also be impacted, with consultation planned. The extended hours in Aberlour and outreach service will create a 0.8FTE Library and Information Assistant post in Aberlour and 1.6FTE Outreach Library and Information Assistant posts respectively.
Full background information and details of the future service strategy can be found online.
Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said of the proposals: “We’ve been clear throughout our budget setting process that service redesign is inevitable in order for us to make the savings we need to balance the budget. However, this is also an opportunity for us to make sure our services are transformed to deliver a modern, sustainable offering to communities in the way they find useful.
“The potential to take an outreach service to the heart of our rural communities that could create a community hub through access to digital technologies; provide information services; as well as lending options is a significant shift for us. But one which shows our commitment to making sure the transformation of our services delivers for our communities.”