The Labour Southwark Council budget proposes cuts to Southwark Libraries. I approached indie libraries for advice about how budgets could be cut while protecting actual libraries and the crucial services they provide. I was pointed to the following YouTube videos – 3 x 10mins videos showing a talk given by Tim Coates – former CEO of Waterstones and library guru:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL9XEMWjReI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfvREOzugKA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p1w6m2GI_0
Following his advice I think Southwark appears from CiPFA to spend just over £6.6M on library services. Also following his model roughly and conservatively £2M appears avoidable without damaging any front line services. Those back office costs that get in the way of our libraries offering a truly great and responsive service.
Take a look and tell me what you think.
Also while out and about I came across one of the building used to support Southwark Libraries pictured above – its bigger than most Southwark Libraries!