1. Co-operative Library solutions
Why a Co-operative
solution for Libraries?

7. Co-operative Library solutions

20,000 responses to the Council plan to shut 6
libraries 5.7% of population!

Protests at each of the the libraries

three marches of 200+ people each

Relentless bad / good publicity

Largest section of engaged residents / Active
citizens

Good for ongoing support / involvement

8. Co-operative Library solutions
Background
2010/ 2011 Total budget for Libraries £8,563,022
Depreciation charge £1,132,616
Net available budget £7,430,406
for running
12 branch libraries
1 central library
1 home book service
(the mobile library had already been cut)

9. Co-operative Library solutions
Background
available budget £7,430,406
Back office charges 44.78%
£3,327,822
Leaving £4,102,584

10. Co-operative Library solutions

11. Co-operative Library solutions
Most authorities not as bad as Croydon.
London Average still 20% of library budget
Croydon has exorbitantly costly and inflexible IT
and FM contracts – BEWARE!
CAN YOU RUN A LIBRARY WITHOUT THESE
BIG BACK OFFICE COSTS?

12. Co-operative Library solutions
CAN YOU RUN A LIBRARY WITHOUT THESE
BIG BACK OFFICE COSTS?
Example on our own doorstep of an
independently managed library funded by
Croydon & Lambeth
Total Back office spend 17% of budget vs 20%
London Average and 43% Croydon

13. Co-operative Library solutions
Local Management of Schools a good model for
change
1) Devolve all management to individual libraries
or small groups
2) Staff in each library to set up quarterly library
members' meeting as an advisory board
3) Flexibility and evolution locally
4) Establishment of formal structures
5) Transfer of assets to local trusts > possibility of
advantage of no business rate payable

14. Co-operative Library solutions
Positives
Local Community engagement
More control / input by front line staff
Better use of (lower) available budgets
Easier supply routes for local businesses
Innovation of activity / use of buildings
Good Examples:
Lambeth Co-operative Library Commission
Wandsworth Community Pilots

15. Co-operative Library solutions
Negatives / Risk
Less hierarchical management?
Support mechanisms for staff?
Lack of community interest?
Other?
How to overcome / embrace these risks?

16. Co-operative Library solutions
Co-operative Support Services
Co-operative Enterprise Hub – suitable for
individual projects in your community
http://www.co-operative.coop/enterprisehub/
Public Service Mutuals Project – a one stop
consultancy service suitable for local
government
http://www.co-operative.coop/corporate/Public-Service-Mutuals-/

17. Co-operative Library solutions
What other services would be ideal for
Co-operative or Mutual management?
Personal Care Services?
Housing?
Youth Services?
Parks?