LIFELONG LEARNING

Library Service Mission Statement:

“To provide a responsive, accessible and inclusive library service for all our customers, which fosters reading, stimulates the imagination and contributes to lifelong learning and cultural recreation”.

Sligo County Library has a long and distinguished tradition of service to the citizens of Sligo and plays a major role in the development of the cultural and artistic life of Sligo. Sligo County Library is one of the longest established public libraries in Ireland, being the fourth county service in Ireland and the first to be established in Connacht. Today, Sligo Central Library is the busiest Cultural venue in County Sligo with on average 480 visits per day.

Sligo Library services are provided through a countywide branch network which includes, Tubbercurry, Ballymote, Enniscrone, Central Library and the Reference and Local Studies Library. Alongside the branch network, Sligo Library service provides a Mobile library service and schools service to over 65 primary schools.

Under the Local Government Act 2001, all County Libraries were required to prepare and adopt programmes for operation and development. The Act sets down the broad content of such plans, which must include:

• An outline of existing services
• The objectives and priorities for the future
• The measures needed to meet the objectives
• The financial implications of the programme as a whole

The Library Development Plan 2006 – 2010 provides a framework for action that allows the Library to meet its obligations under the Act and provide a strategic framework for developing its services. The library development Plan will be reviewed in 2011.

National Policy Context

In 2008, the Government published their second comprehensive review of public library policy in the report “Branching Out: Future Directions”. The report took regard of two wider national policies, ensuring that Ireland embraces the opportunities of the “Information Society” and the establishment of an inclusive society.

“Branching Out: Future Directions” identified key issues for Irish public libraries, including the following;

• Delivering better services through the continuation of the multi annual infrastructure programme.
• Uniquely in the cultural sector the measurement of the quality of services delivered, through the use of service indicators, with an emphasis on opening hours, collection development and staff training.
• Improvement in the primary School Library service.
• The affirmation of Libraries as Centres of Culture through the provision of cultural programmes and the continued development of libraries as community cultural spaces.
• Co-operation within local authorities in areas of education and broader cultural areas.
• Marketing and research.