The Strategic Briefing Paper proposes a series of actionable steps that the minister can undertake to align libraries with the Government’s strategic priorities.
CILIP, alongside a group of leading public library sector bodies has prepared a comprehensive briefing for Chris Bryant, Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, outlining how libraries can play a pivotal role in helping the government achieve its five national missions.
As a follow-up to a recent round-table event, the briefing paper emphasised how public libraries are uniquely positioned to contribute to national priorities such as economic growth, health and wellbeing, education, and social cohesion.
The paper sets out practical steps the Minister can take to ensure libraries are better into the Government’s strategic priorities.
Louis Coiffaitt-Gunn, CEO of CILIP welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with other public library bodies and share a collective plan for the future.
“CILIP hugely appreciates the minister giving public library bodies this opportunity to share ideas after our recent roundtable with him. It’s also been an important exercise for the sector to come together and agree on what we want.
“Obviously, more funding is top of the list, but we’re all conscious of the wider financial context and the pressures on local authority budgets. However, with political support, cross-government coordination, and even small amounts of money, there’s much that the sector can achieve – on everything from literacy and digital inclusion to sustainability and supporting start-ups. We look forward to hearing his response to our proposals.”
Key Proposals for the Minister
The briefing proposes several actions include influencing policy, championing libraries’ contributions to national missions, and supporting key investments to future-proof library services.
- Influence: Recognition in the New Industrial Strategy: The briefing calls for libraries’ vital role in supporting the creative industries to be formally recognised in the government’s new Industrial Strategy. Public libraries, particularly through the Business & IP Centre Network (BIPC), provide crucial support for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. These centres offer free access to business databases, coaching, and training, helping thousands of individuals each year. The proposal asks the Minister to advocate for the inclusion of the BIPC Network in the strategy, ensuring that libraries continue to support business growth across the country.
- Champion: Strengthening Co-Location Opportunities: The briefing also urges the Minister to champion libraries as co-location hubs for new government initiatives, such as the Young Futures Hubs. These hubs aim to provide essential support for young people, and libraries, with their trusted status in local communities, are ideal candidates to host these services. The proposal suggests that libraries could be leveraged to offer early help and prevention services, strengthening the sustainability of local community assets.
- Invest: Digital Infrastructure and Resources: Another key area identified is the need for investment in digital infrastructure to ensure libraries can continue their work supporting digital inclusion. Libraries are already key players in providing access to technology and digital skills training, but many libraries are struggling with outdated equipment and technology. The briefing calls for investment in portable tech, upgraded hardware, and digital skills training for library staff to ensure that libraries remain hubs of digital engagement for communities.
The briefing is a collaboration between Arts Council England, the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), Chief Culture and Leisure Officers Association (CLOA), Community Managed Libraries National Peer Network (CMLNPN), Libraries Connected, the Local Government Association (LGA) and Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL). The group collaborated through English Public Libraries Group.
The briefing paper, roundtable event and continued engagement with government forms part of CILIP’s ongoing programme of advocacy for the immense value that libraries can bring to the government’s national priorities and broader society.
With the right support and coordination, libraries have the potential to be a driving force for economic growth, digital inclusion, and social cohesion.
CILIP looks forward to Minister Chris Bryant’s response and working closely with him to ensure public libraries support communities and contribute to national goals in the years ahead.
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