Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

The purpose of this report is to inform the Cabinet Member of how the library stock is managed and to make recommendations for its continuing management. 

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member

1.    Notes that the Library and Archive Service publishes its Stock Policy and collection management policy on the Library and Archive Service website - this will inform the public on how the Service seeks best value and that stock is acquired according to current legal guidance.

2.    Notes that the Library and Archive Service will purchase stock within the current legislation pertaining to libraries and publications.

3.    Notes that the Service continues to invest in digital offers- eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers and magazines and eMusic- as demand for these services continues to grow.

4.    Notes that of the unsolicited, self-published titles donated to the Library and Archive Service, only those that are by local authors or about Portsmouth will be taken on for stock.

5.    Notes that the Library and Archive Service continues to purchase reference books that develop the Portsmouth History Centre Collection.

6.    Notes that a continuing programme of stock disposal is carried out.

Mark Zumpe, Information Stock Librarian, introduced the report.

Mark advised that it has been several years since the last report on stock policy and noted that the pandemic and lockdown had a significant effect on stock usage.  The physical use of books remains at a level lower than pre-pandemic whilst digital issues have increased particularly for Borrowbox and Pressreader.  Stock budgets have been adjusted accordingly.  Mark emphasised the library's commitment to continue to provide free access to a range of books and content.

The policy on donations had been updated due to the significant increase in donations over the last two to three years.  

There was a desire to make the library service more visible to Portsmouth customers so there is a plan to publish parts of the stock policy report on the library website, so it is widely available to readers and writers.

The Chair stated he was aware of a couple of local authors introduced to the library in the past couple of weeks, both of whom have written very successful novels that are doing quite well, within the children and young adults market.  Libraries supporting home grown talent is to be welcomed.

DECISION

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development:

1.    Noted that the library and Archive Service publishes its Stock Policy and collection management policy on the Library and Archive Service website to inform the public on how the service seeks best value and that stock is acquired according to current legal guidance;

2.    Noted that the Library and Archive Service will purchase stock within the current legislation pertaining to libraries and publications;

3.    Noted that the service continues to invest in digital offers - e-books, e-audiobooks, e-newspapers and magazines and e-music as demand for these services continues to grow;

4.    Noted that, of the unsolicited, self-published titles donated to the Library and Archive Service, only those that are by local authors or about Portsmouth will be taken on for stock;

5.    Noted that the Library and Archive Service continues to purchase reference books that develop the Portsmouth History Centre collection;

6.    Noted that a continuing programme of stock disposal is carried out.