Hertfordshire Libraries, Heritage and the Arts - Hertfordshire County ...

ForewordThis is the first Annual Report by the Director of Children, Schools & Families on theprovision of Library, Heritage & Arts services. The report shows the breadth of servicesprovided, the achievements and developments during 2006-07, and the challenges facingthe service in 2007-08.The service exists to provide open access to knowledge, information and creative works toencourage individuals and groups to develop and enrich their lives. The case studies in thereport illustrate the very positive impact that these services can have on the lives ofindividuals in Hertfordshire. The popularity of the service is also reflected by the 5,500 pluspositive comments and compliments received during 2006-07.The endorsement of the Libraries for the 21st Century (L421C) vision has provided a newdirection for the service in 2006-07. The changes have been firmly based on key messagesreceived from our customers: to provide greater accessibility to the service and to improvethe attractiveness of the buildings. The substantial programme of investment funded therefurbishment for seven libraries and a significant increase in opening hours in 2006-07.These changes have already raised awareness and increased use of the service but they willalso offer future opportunities for partnership work with other local authorities, the healthservice, voluntary and other organisations.A further challenge for 2007-08 will be to ensure that the staffing structure of the LibraryService is best fitted to make full use of these opportunities. The service is already tacklingthe difficult challenges and changes of this process and the new structure will be in place byDecember 2007.This report clearly states how the service will be approaching these challenges to enable usto improve the provision of cultural services to the entire Hertfordshire community.John HarrisDirector of Children, Schools & Familiesii