Libraries development plan will deliver continued growth

MEMBERS of management from South Dublin Libraries will take on the roles of ‘champions’ this year, to lead the implementation of the South Dublin Libraries Development Plan 2023-2027.

A presentation on the plan was given at a recent South Dublin County Council meeting, where the key aims of the document were explored.

A “non-traditional, human-centred approach” was taken when the plan was devised, combining in-depth user and non-user interviews, in-branch consultation, and large-scale public and staff surveys.

The key challenges that were identified in the plan include “small islands of coherence”, problem solving, “guilt and fear” impacting non-library users, and “trying to be all things to all people”.

In terms of insights, the research for the plan found that staff love libraries and members love libraries, that libraries have a “willing and waiting” workforce.

It’s also noted in the document that libraries are “sitting at the edge of ‘cool’, but not quite, quite there” yet.

The six selected South Dublin Libraries ‘champions’ will focus on five development areas that have been informed by the findings in the development plan.

These areas are energising the libraries’ collections, expanding their community to reach key demographics such as teenagers and young adults.

There will also be a focus on documenting and curating ‘new heritage’ in South Dublin, rejuvenating the libraries’ physical and virtual spaces, and empowering staff through training and Irish language upskilling.

In the introduction to the South Dublin Libraries Development Plan 2023-2007, the chief executive of South Dublin County Council, Daniel McLoughlin, outlined its importance.

“Our library service aspires to become a benchmark for what public libraries can be in terms of engagement, relevance, innovation, and impact,” he wrote.

“The success of the plan will depend on the active participation of our communities, our members, our staff, management, and elected members.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the research and consultation phase over the summer of 2022.

“I am confident that this plan will deliver the continued growth of South Dublin’s library service over the next five years and build the services capacity to respond to the needs of the community into the future.”