Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 June 2015
246. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will allow local authorities some autonomy in setting library opening times to facilitate, for instance, Sunday opening hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25341/15]
View answer247. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider allowing the introduction of the open libraries concept, similar to schemes operated in the United Kingdom, whereby library members can access the library via an identity card during defined out-of-hours times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25342/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.
The management of library services, including the deployment of library resources in a local authority area is a matter for the local authority concerned in accordance with the library development programme adopted by the elected members as a reserved function .
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible. Accordingly, I have no function in relation to the setting of library opening hours.
Arising from the commitment to the provision of optimum, user-friendly library opening hours in Opportunities for All, A Strategy for Public Libraries 2013-2017 , three pilot Open Libraries were established in Tubbercurry Library, Co. Sligo, and in Banagher Library and Tullamore Library, Co. Offaly in November 2014 – January 2015. Staffing levels and hours remain as previously, while the extended hours in the period 08.00 – 20:00 each day, 7 days a week, are unstaffed.
During the extended hours, services such as borrowing and returning items, using the internet via library PCs or via Wi-Fi using own devices, browsing, printing, photocopying, individual study and community activities and meetings are available to the public on a self-service basis. Users gain access to the library via an automated system by using their membership card and an authorised pin number. Within existing opening times, library staff continue to provide expert and additional services, support users and develop community engagement and programming.
It is a matter for each local authority to consider introducing Open Libraries in any branch if they wish, and following a review of the pilot, I will consider whether, and to what extent, funding support to adapt systems, introduce necessary security arrangements, etc. should be made available to local authorities to extend the Open Libraries concept.
