Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018 2022 - South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
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Open
to You
South Dublin Library
Development Plan
2018 – 2022
01
Contents
Introduction 02
Executive Summary 06
Mission Statement 10
Profile of South Dublin Libraries 12
Branch Library Network 13
Online Resources 15
The Last Five Years 16
The Communities We Serve 18
Consultation Process 22
Public Survey 24
Public Consultation 30
SWOT Analysis 36
Research Outcomes 38
Key Objectives 42
1. Reading and Literacy including Digital Literacy 43
2. Marketing and Promotion 44
3. Information and Communication Technology 45
4. Heritage and Tourism 46
5. Information and Lifelong Learning 47
6. Community and Culture 49
Making it Possible 52
Appendix 56
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
02
Introduction
Building on existing strengths,
the demographic profile of the
communities we serve and feedback
from the consultation process, this
Plan is a road map for the strategic
development of our library service
over the next five years.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
03
Chief Executive Daniel McLoughlin
I am delighted to present “Open to You” South Dublin Library
Development Plan 2018 – 2022 which is essentially a road map for
strategic, inclusive and imaginative sustainable development of
our library service over the next five years. South Dublin County
Council aims to make our county the best possible place in which
to live, work and do business. In this context, this Plan underpins
South Dublin County Council’s core themes of social inclusion,
collaboration, well-being and citizen engagement.
The Plan has been informed by an extensive consultation process
with all stakeholders, including users and non-users of the service,
library staff, council networks including community groups, the
Public Participation Network and the wider public using a variety
of mechanisms.
Building on existing strengths, the demographic profile of the
communities we serve and informed by the consultations, the
Plan is centred on six key objectives, associated high level actions
and strategies for delivery of these objectives. Public libraries are
trusted and valued as a unique community service. At the heart of
this Library Development Plan is a vision to promote the well-being
and quality of life of all of our citizens in South Dublin. The library
service is facing many challenges, not least the challenge to bridge
the gap between the public’s perception and knowledge of the
extensive services on offer. This Plan includes a strategy to bridge
that gap in a creative and sustainable way in order to connect,
inspire and empower our communities, over the next five years and
beyond. Our ambition is to enrich the quality of life in South Dublin
County by promoting access to a broad range of knowledge,
information, technology, culture and heritage in a welcoming,
inclusive and supportive way.
I would like to thank everybody who has helped produce this Plan,
including everyone who participated in the consultation process.
I am confident it will contribute significantly to the development
of our library service in South Dublin providing a high quality
accessible service.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
04
Introduction
Mayor Paul Gogarty
In the past five years, there have been many developments in our
library service in South Dublin. To highlight just a few, participation
in the implementation of the national library management system,
enables citizens of South Dublin to freely access the services
and resources of any library service in the country. In June 2013
Ballyroan library reopened providing a wonderful modern resource,
and Palmerstown Library Digital Hub opened in June 2017. This has
already proven very popular with the local community, and is fast
establishing itself as a welcome community resource.
Our ambitious library development plan covering the next five
years, outlines the strategies and many exciting actions which
will focus on improving access and visibility of the library service
connecting and empowering our citizens. South Dublin Libraries
have always aspired to providing welcoming and democratic
spaces. I am delighted that the building of two modern purpose
built libraries will commence in the summer of 2018 at Castletymon
and North Clondalkin.
As a free public library service we are ideally placed to support
and grow literacy levels and facilitate the discovery of reading,
creativity innovation and inclusiveness for all age groups. This
plan outlines a strong commitment to literacy support as well as
highlighting and expanding South Dublin Libraries’ commitment
to providing services to older people, to schools, and to families.
It also encompasses our active engagement in educational and
cultural development in the county. Active participation in national
initiatives, such as Work matters, Right to Read and Healthy Ireland
offer access and resources in an inclusive way that is unique to
public libraries.
I would like to thank all who contributed to this plan, which is a
celebration of the potential of our public library service in South
Dublin.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
05
County Librarian Bernadette Fennell
I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to “Open to You”
South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018 – 2022, including
all those who took the time to participate in the extensive
consultation process.
I wish to acknowledge the contribution of Grainne Millar of GM
Innovations who was instrumental in the engagement, research
and analysis process.
Special thanks to all the staff of South Dublin Libraries for their
dedication and commitment to a service which has become a
trusted and valued resource at the heart of the community.
We have a library service in South Dublin which is progressive and
inclusive, and I am looking forward to the implementation of this
plan over the next five years.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
06
Executive
Summary
This Development Plan sets out the
strategy and work programmes of South
Dublin Libraries for the next five years.
It includes an outline of existing library
services, objectives and priorities, and
measures to achieve these objectives.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
07
The mission statement of our There have been a number Considering all the challenges
library service is: of demographic changes and opportunities which may
identified in Census 2016 which present themselves over the
To enrich the quality of life will have implications for the next five years, our Library
in South Dublin County library service. Census 2016 Development Plan focuses on
revealed that the population six key objectives.
by promoting access to a of South Dublin County has
broad range of knowledge, grown 5.1% to 278,767 and will Priorities and Objectives:
information, technology, continue to grow including
culture and heritage, in a developments such as the new Reading and Literacy including
welcoming, inclusive and town at Clonburris. We have an Digital Literacy
supportive way ethnically diverse community The promotion of reading
with over 120 nationalities. Our and the development of
Our library service currently population includes a large literacy support is at the core
operates 8 service points: 5 proportion of young people of our library service. The
branch libraries, two part-time (21,733 aged 0–4 years) and capacity not just to read but
libraries and a library digital also a fast-growing population to understand and critically
hub. There is also an extensive of over 55s (59,472). Census appreciate different forms of
mobile library service. Opening 2016 has shown that 20,772 communication is a key skill.
hours include four late evenings people aged 15 and over The fostering and support for
and weekly Saturday opening. have received only primary developing this skill underpins
During the lifetime of this plan, level education or no formal many of the services we offer.
two major capital projects education at all. 23.4% don’t
will be delivered with the re- own a personal computer and Digital literacy is an
building of a purpose built 10.6% have no access to the increasingly vital skill for
library at Castletymon and the Internet. These demographic navigating modern life.
construction of a new library at profiles will impact on our Computer facilities are
North Clondalkin. literacy, information, cultural and available for free in our branch
social inclusion programmes. libraries, and courses for
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
08
Executive Summary
beginner, intermediate, and
advanced levels are on offer in
all branches. The development
of Tech Spaces in our libraries
will facilitate the expansion of
STEAM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts and
Mathematics) activities and
foster in young people a desire
to gain more skills in this area.
Marketing and Promotion
The last decade has witnessed
profound changes in how we
communicate and advertise
our services. It was evident
during the consultation
process that awareness of
the wide range of services we
provide could be improved.
The development of a Social
Media strategy to disseminate
information about our library
service is a priority.
Information and Information and Heritage and Tourism
Communication Technology Lifelong Learning Heritage and Local Studies
Information technology has Providing access to information are one of the great strengths
enabled us to be creative and and opportunities for personal of our library service. The
innovative and also customer progress to engage in a lifetime culture and memory of the
focussed. Our active support for of learning and reading is a County are held in our local
the national library management fundamental strength of our studies collection, ensuring
system Sierra, our wealth of service. Participation in national that these precious resources
online resources available via programmes such as Work are available for all, both
our website and the excellent Matters, Right to Read and now and into the future. This
computer and printing facilities Healthy Ireland will continue award winning local studies
available at our library branches to feature highly. In the current collection will continue to be
ensure that we offer our patrons climate of economic regrowth, an area of focus over the next
a modern and efficient library free and easy access to reliable five years. Given the success
service. There are constant resources for those entering of South Dublin Libraries’ 1916
changes and developments in the jobs market, making celebrations, collections relating
the area of technology and our career moves or progressing to the centenaries of the War
library IT team works closely a business idea is more of Independence and Civil War
with its counterparts in South necessary than ever. Business will be actively developed.
Dublin County Council, the and employment support The successful History and
LGMA (Local Government through collaboration with Heritage summer events
Management Agency) and in local agencies such as South programme will be continued
other local authorities to provide Dublin Local Enterprise Office whilst exploring other avenues
a streamlined, comprehensive and South Dublin Chamber of to promote the rich heritage of
and up-to-date service. Commerce continues to be a South Dublin County, building
priority. on our close relationships with
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202209
Making it Possible
Implementing this plan and delivering on the
strategic programmes will draw heavily on current
resources and strengths, and require further
support in a number of areas, primarily:
Staff Development Collection Development
South Dublin County Council’s
Heritage Officer and the County
Promotion Unit.
Culture and Community
It is evident from the findings
of the online survey that by
providing the public with
access to a wide range of
services such as computer Budget Capital Programme
courses, Internet, education
and cultural programmes,
the library is perceived as a
valued community hub. Our
branch libraries are regarded
as community living rooms for
reading, self-learning, cultural
enhancement, connecting,
communicating, and accessing
information and entertainment.
We will continue to deliver
diverse and inclusive cultural
events. Analysis
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202210
Mission
Statement
To enrich the quality of life in South
Dublin County by promoting access to a
broad range of knowledge, information,
technology, culture and heritage, in a
welcoming, inclusive and supportive way.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202211 Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
12
Profile of
South Dublin
Libraries
South Dublin Libraries offer a relevant
and dynamic service across South
Dublin County, with full and part-time
library branches, a digital hub and a
mobile library service. A wealth of
online resources are available from
our website. South Dublin Libraries
endeavour to provide a trusted,
accessible and comprehensive service to
the diverse communities across
South Dublin County.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202213
The County has 9 main Tourism and Promotion, and
villages: Clondalkin, Lucan, South Dublin Local Enterprise
Palmerstown, Rathfarnham, Office.
Tallaght, Templeogue, Saggart,
Rathcoole and Newcastle. The service is staffed by
South Dublin County is approximately 100 staff, including
bounded by the adjoining professional, non-professional
counties of Wicklow, Kildare, and support staff. Currently we
Dublin City, Fingal and Dun continue to recruit in order to
Laoghaire-Rathdown. reach the projected figures under
the Work Force Plan.
South Dublin Libraries are the Carnegie building housing
positioned within the Economic, Branch Library Network Clondalkin Library to the award-
Enterprise and Tourism winning modern Ballyroan
Department of South Dublin South Dublin Libraries operate Library. Ballyroan Library was
County Council, and operate 8 service points: 5 branch completely re-built in 2013, as
through a network of branch libraries, two part-time libraries committed to in our Library
libraries across the County, and a library digital hub. There Development Plan 2012–2016,
serving a population of 278,767 is also an extensive mobile and now provides a rich spatial
(Census 2016). We enjoy library service. The branch experience to users from all
excellent working partnerships libraries are well established parts of the local community.
with other departments within at Rathfarnham (Ballyroan),
South Dublin County Council Tallaght (Castletymon and The building of a modern,
most notably Social Inclusion, County Library), Clondalkin, purpose-built library will
Environment, Community, and Lucan. These range from commence summer 2018 in
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202214
Profile of South Dublin
Libraries
Castletymon, replacing the Palmerstown, the provision valuable resource for those
former leased building, and of which was outlined in the who have difficulty accessing
be delivered over the course last Library Development their local library. Under
of this plan. Construction on a Plan, was opened in June its commitment to literacy
new library in North Clondalkin 2017, offering the community development across the county,
will also begin in summer a beautifully equipped space the mobile library service is
2018 providing a state of the to learn, read, enjoy cultural actively engaged in Family
art purpose-built community events and avail of digital Fun in the Park and Fiosracht
library in an area not currently resources. Palmerstown Library (a joint project with Institute
served by a permanent library Digital Hub currently serves a of Technology Dublin, South
service. These new libraries population of 11,216. Dublin Libraries and Foróige),
will be an exciting expansion and in the delivery of early
for South Dublin Libraries, South Dublin Libraries’ Mobile literacy development activities
greatly enhancing the quality Library Service visits over 40 in pre-schools and crèches.
of service and life for the public stops across the County,
communities they serve. as well as providing regular All library service points offer
book drops to schools, crèches, RFID self-service machines,
A library digital hub is located and nursing homes. Three successfully introduced
at the Palmerstown Shopping of four vans are wheelchair since the last Development
Centre, and part-time libraries accessible and all carry a wide Plan, a large diverse range
are available at Whitechurch range of materials. The Mobile of materials to borrow,
and the Stewarts Care facility. Library Service also facilitates and computer access with
The library digital hub in the Home Delivery Service, a printing, including 3D printing
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202215
Borrowbox RB Digital
Still bringing free eBooks and free digital Magazines
joy, learning, Audiobooks to download to download
sharing,
creating and
growing to the Mango Irish Newspaper Archive
community. online portal to learn the world’s largest online
new languages database of Irish
Public Survey
Newspapers
Universal Class Britannica Library
offers over 500 online provides information,
Continuing Education image and video content
Courses
Tumble Book Library ProQuest
Ebooks, read-along stories, a single interface for
videos and audiobooks accessing newspapers from
for children around the world
Comics Plus Vision-Net
in County Library Tallaght and online service for reading company information
Ballyroan Library. Free access digital comic magazines for Ireland and the United
to internet and Wi-Fi and for all ages Kingdom
computers, available across
our network, is particularly
significant in South Dublin
County where 10.6% of
residents do not have Internet
access and 23.4% do not own
a personal computer (Census five years since the previous (online courses in a variety
2016). South Dublin Library Development Plan, our online of subjects) and much more.
branches maintain extensive resources have been enhanced An online booking system is
opening hours, with late and enriched. Apart from also provided for library based
opening four nights a week the options of renewing or activities.
and Saturday opening weekly. ordering materials, the website
facilitates access to the online Over the course of this plan
Online Resources collections such as RB Digital the website will be redesigned
(online magazine portal), in order to fully capitalise
Our library website, Borrow Box (for eBooks, audio on its resources and enable
www.southdublinlibraries.ie, books and other materials), easier access to the wealth
provides access to library Source (digitised local studies of information and learning
resources around the clock. material), VisionNet (business opportunities available there.
Over the course of the past database), Universal Class
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202216
Profile of South Dublin
Libraries
The last Five years library facility. In June 2017 the through the work of our Local
There have been many Palmerstown Library Digital Studies Team. It played a
developments in the services Hub was opened on a part-time significant role in the successful
provided by South Dublin basis, and has already proven 1916 Commemorations which
Libraries since the previous very popular with the local took place across the County.
Library Development Plan, which community. The heritage of the villages
covered the period 2012–2016. of the County has been
Red Line Book Festival highlighted in the development
Implementation of the National Celebrating culture, creativity of the Historic Walks app. The
Library Management System and the imagination was a team also made a significant
Provision of our library service key objective for South Dublin contribution to the wealth of
has been enhanced by the Libraries in the previous plan information available at the new
successful implementation and continues to be a priority interpretative centre at Round
of the national library for the service today. Under Tower, Clondalkin.
management system. This has this remit the Red Line Book
facilitated access for the public Festival has gone from strength Staff
to libraries and collections to strength over the past The lifting of the national
nation-wide. All library seven years. The annual Red embargo on recruitment and
service points offer RFID Self- Line Book Festival promotes the subsequent implementation
Service Machines successfully the enjoyment of reading of a Workforce Plan for South
introduced since the last and literature in South Dublin Dublin Libraries has been
Development Plan. County while at the same time a significant development
showcasing our library branches since the previous Library
New Libraries and cultural venues, for example Development Plan. Staffing
South Dublin Libraries have Civic Theatre Tallaght, Rua Red requirements at all grade levels
always aspired to provide Arts Centre, Rathfarnham Castle were reviewed and a large
welcoming and democratic and more. number of new staff have been
library spaces. In June 2013 recruited to comply with the
Ballyroan Library re-opened Local Studies Workforce Plan.
following a complete re-design South Dublin Libraries play
which has given the community a key role in recording the
a wonderful, future-proofed County’s culture and memory
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202217 Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
18
The
Communities
We Serve
As per Census 2016, South Dublin
Libraries serve a population of 278,767,
a 5.1% increase since 2011. South Dublin
Libraries value the communities we
serve and strive to reflect their changing
needs in our educational, cultural and
recreational programmes.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202219
South Dublin County: Census 2016
Relevant,
dynamic service
leading the
way in the
community.
Total Population Children
Public Survey
278,767 (up by 82,115 (21,733 aged
5.1% since 2011) 0–4 years)
82,115 children aged up to 19
years reside in the County,
with 21,733 of these aged 0–4
years, making us a county with Over 55 years – Households
59,472 (21% of 92,523 (11,705 single
a significant young population
total population) parent families)
(29%). We also have an ageing
population with 59,472 aged
over 55 years (21% of the total
population). The fact that we
have one of the fastest growing
ageing populations of over 65s,
alongside a growing young
population, has implications
related to tailoring services to
meet the needs of these users
both now and into the future.
Furthermore, the population 12.8% over 15 years of age Fastest Growing Areas
of South Dublin is expected with no formal or Saggart-Citywest, Rathcoole
to continue to expand with primary only education and Tallaght-Springfield
the proposed development
of a new town at Clonburris
catering for between 22,000–
24,000 people over the next
20 years (LECP 2016–2022).
Serving this new town will
provide both opportunities and
challenges for the proposed
new library at North Clondalkin.
Rate of Unemployment 10.6% of the population do
South Dublin County is now 13.3% county-wide not have internet access,
home to huge ethnic diversity 23.4% do not have
with 120 nationalities and the a personal computer
5th highest number of non-
Irish national residents in the
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202220
The Communities
We Serve
state (13.2%). The proportion is blackspots in the County: formal education at all. South
significantly higher in certain Tallaght-Killinarden (32%); Dublin has a particularly low
areas, with the figure in Lucan Tallaght-Fettercairn (28%); proportion of people with
standing at 19.6%. Members Clondalkin-Rowlagh (27.2%); degree level qualifications
of the Travelling community Clondalkin-Cappaghmore (28%) compared to the rest of
account for 2,208 residents, (32.2%). This is a demographic the Dublin Region (38%). At
which is the second highest that we will continue to reach the same time, South Dublin
population of Travellers after out to, building on relationships is home to The Institute of
Galway. forged with relevant agencies Technology Tallaght (ITT)
such as the Intreo Offices and with over 4,500 students.
In terms of economic activity, the Education and Training Reading and Literacy is one
there are 6,000 businesses Boards, and creating initiatives of the key themes in this
based in South Dublin County, under the national Work Library Development Plan,
and 184,000 people of working Matters and Right to Read alongside Lifelong Learning.
age in the County in 2016. support programmes. These strongly underpin our
The rate of unemployment commitment to literacy and
county-wide is 13.3%, slightly With regards to education, skills development, in turn
higher than the average rate 20,772 (11.9%) aged over helping to address any skills
for the Dublin region. There 15 years of age have either deficit across the County.
are four unemployment only primary education or no
Summary of Library Usage during 2017
44,492 859,648 484,211
Active Patrons Visitors Actual Visitors Virtual
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202221
Significantly for our service, Census 2016 revealed that
in terms of computer usage/ the fastest growing areas in
ownership, 10.6% of the South Dublin County have
population of South Dublin been Saggart-Citywest,
County do not have Internet Rathcoole and Tallaght-
access and 23.4% do not own Springfield. Over the next
A place where a personal computer (Census five years, consideration will
2016). In light of this, the be focused on opportunities
knowledge, availability of, and access to, to expand the library branch
community and ICT resources at our libraries network, taking into account
imagination is of particular relevance. suitability and resources
Given the constant changes available.
unite. in the area of ICT, these
Public Survey resources must be continually
evaluated to ensure that
we offer technology that is
current and relevant.
1,160,553 323,252 4,064
Items Borrowed Internet & Wi-Fi Uses Events Hosted
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202222
Consultation
Process
The preparation of the Library
Development Plan involved consultation
with stakeholders including users and non-
users of the service, library staff, other
departments within South Dublin County
Council, community groups, agencies and
the Public Participation Network.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202223
A variety of mechanisms Methodology • Stakeholder engagement with
including public consultation, users and non-users through
surveys and focus groups The specific methods utilised a public survey, attracting
was used. Our approach to were: almost 1,000 responses
producing the South Dublin
• Public Focus Groups at
County Library Development • Desk-top Research to review Ballyroan Library, Lucan
Plan was based on the and analyse all relevant policy Library and Rowlagh Women’s
following: documents at local and Group North Clondalkin
national level. See Appendix 1
• Strategic Analysis and for list of references • Disability Panel, South Dublin
Assessment of User Needs County Council
• PESTEL Analysis Strategic
• External Environmental Planning Workshop with key • Open Forum at County
Analysis staff in South Dublin County Library Tallaght involving
Council to analyse external stakeholders, councillors,
• Stakeholder Consultation
factors influencing the Library senior staff of South Dublin
• Internal Environment Analysis Development Plan over the County Council and members
next 5 years of the public
• SWOT Analysis
• PESTEL Analysis
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202224
Consultation Process
Public Survey
An online public survey was Network. Printed copies were
designed to capture the profile circulated at all service points,
of the users of South Dublin library events, Red Line Book A hub for social
Libraries and their overall Festival events, and among
experience of the library community groups. Over 1,000 inclusion and
service. The online public survey questionnaires were returned community
was posted on all the public and the survey had a wide engagement.
access computers across the reach across the county. This
Public Survey
library network, and on the was evident in the respondents
consultation portal on the which came from all parts of
South Dublin County Council South Dublin with the exception
website. It was distributed of Ronanstown where there
through the Public Participation were no respondents.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202225
6%
10%
25% Age Profile of Respondents
to the Public Survey
Aged between 12–15
Aged between 16–22
Aged between 23–54
Aged 55+
59%
18%
24% Residential Area of Respondents
Tallaght
4% Lucan
Clondalkin
5%
Rathfarnham
Knocklyon
6%
Palmerstown
24%
Templeogue
9%
Other
10%
Residential Area of Respondents
(Other Breakdown)
Adamstown Jobstown
Ballyboden Newcastle
Ballyroan Rathcoole
Edmondstown Rockbrook
Firhouse Saggart
Greenhills
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202226
Consultation Process
4%
The library
benefits Number of People
community with a Library Card
interaction With
through courses. Without
Public Survey
96%
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202227
3%
12%
16%
Frequency of Library Visits
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Less than once a month
Never visited the library
37%
31%
Rating of Library Services
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
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Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022(D
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responses across areas such benefits the community
as Online Services, Services The Library Service benefits the
for Children, Education and community in multiple ways. In
Cultural programmes provide addition to providing the public The library
useful insights into a potential with access to a wide range of
lack of awareness or lack services such as computers, allows me
of engagement among the Internet, education, cultural to enjoy my
respondents of the range programmes and courses, it is passion for
of services that the Library also a valued community hub.
provides. The library is a local space and books and to
meeting place where “children pass this onto
can come together and learn my child.
about different things, for free”;
Public Survey
which provides educational
opportunities and “benefits
community interaction through
courses”. It is a valued study
and learning environment and
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202230
Consultation Process
provides “access to knowledge for improvement in Customer Public Consultation
for those who can’t afford Service, Internet Access,
to buy books/DVDs etc.” It Computers, Opening Hours and In addition to the online survey,
is considered an “essential Collections. The Library Website public consultations were
cultural and social outlet”. The is a very important platform to conducted in the form of three
important role of the library in access information alongside Focus Groups and one Public
introducing children to reading more traditional formats. Forum to capture how people
was also noted and summed up use the library service, what’s
in the comment that “it allows working well, identify areas
me to enjoy my passion for for improvement and gather
books and to pass this onto my feedback on what the public felt
child”. would be an important legacy
of the next Library Development
How could the Library Service The library Plan. The feedback from these
be improved? consultations is captured below
The main recommendations provides access in the form of key strengths,
focused on areas such as longer to knowledge areas for improvement and
opening hours where people for those who outcomes for the Library
suggested different options Development Plan. There were
such as Sunday opening; can’t afford many strengths identified during
opening longer on Saturday; to buy books/ the focus groups and a high level
later opening hours and 9am DVDs etc. of use of the diverse services
opening. Staff and Customer that the Library offers.
Public Survey
Service was another area that
respondents felt could be Range of Collections
improved such as upskilling The range of collections across
staff in IT to support users. DVDs, Audiobooks, Books,
Other areas for improvement Magazines, and Newspapers
centred on Wi-Fi/Internet are an extremely valued part
access, more Children’s
Activities, more study areas,
desks, reading rooms, new
books and books available in
different foreign languages.
In summary, the results of
the Public Survey indicate
that Library Services are
deemed very important
to users particularly in the
areas of Borrowing Materials,
Internet Access, Computers,
Online Services, Study
Rooms, Children’s Services,
Reference, Education and
Cultural Programmes. While the
quality of the Library Service
is considered very good, the
survey has pointed to areas
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202231
of the library service. One
parent mentioned that that
they come to borrow books to
improve children’s reading and
language ability, borrowing up
to 15 books for their children
every 2 weeks. Other comments
related to the value of this free
service and how the library is an
excellent example of good use
of taxpayer’s money.
Festivals, Events, and Courses
Access to festivals, exhibitions,
talks, cultural events, and
readings were considered to be
important in terms of reaching
different audiences and
providing diverse platforms to
promote the library service and
creating awareness.
Key Challenges her son loves the library, he
Community Hub didn’t feel the library card
The library is also considered • Lack of Awareness was “his” card as it has a
as an important Community of the broad range of girl on the front. Recent
Hub, providing access to public Library Services marketing initiatives such as
information through its staff It was evident during the the Healthy Ireland at your
and materials, serving as a focus groups that awareness Library is a good example of
meeting place for groups, for of the wide range of services a promotional campaign that
“social networking for over available through the library could work to raise awareness
55s” and supporting the health could be improved. One of the National Library Card.
and wellbeing of those in the participant mentioned that
community. An example of the they were not aware that they • Quiet Space
photography society in Ballyroan could place a hold on a title While users place an
Library shows the value of the that could be ordered from enormous value on access to
library space to communities. other libraries. Others were space in the library, the issues
not aware of book clubs for of noise created by other
Space adults and children in Lucan users, particularly children
Access to space to support a Library. and teenagers, was having a
diverse range of uses is a key negative impact on the quality
resource whether that is quiet • Lack of Awareness of the of environment making it
space for reading, study space National Library Card difficult to read. One user
and safe space for children to This is a service that was suggested noise cancelling
read and learn. An example was not widely known among headphones as a solution
given of one child who came users. In addition, it was also while other users emphasised
to their first story-time session suggested that a gender the important role of parents
in the library and really enjoyed neutral junior library card to actively manage their
it, listening very well and better image be created as one children when they are in the
than when she’s read to at home. parent observed that while library.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202232
Consultation Process
• Joining the Library
One participant pointed
out the potential issue of
requiring an email address to
join the library as a number of
users would not have access
to a computer or smartphone.
The suggestion of a mobile
phone number option was
raised given the increase
in mobile phone usage in
Ireland.
• Audience/User focussed
The importance of tailoring
library services to the needs
of different user groups to • Local Community Hub such as a language café
enhance the overall user- Greater use as a hub for local facilitated by library staff
experience was raised. This community and targeted or drop-in café were also
included an assessment of the promotion such as to active suggested.
needs for teenagers to better retirement groups who are
understand their interests. always looking for things to • Website and Social Media
Other ideas included offering do. There were suggestions Develop a more user friendly
free basic information on on how to involve the public online database search as
computers to older people; more and invite ideas on talks, people are used to using more
larger type or audio books for books reviews, community sophisticated online sites such
older people and grouping events, reader reviews, offer as Amazon and libraries in
books according to age usage of space the business universities.
groups as parents struggle community and have outside
to choose books for their space in the summer where • Courses
children. people can eat their lunch and Explore the potential to
read a book. develop taster courses
• Broaden out the Collections for computers/blogging
To lend CD Players/MP3 • Language support and also look at the
Players/USB sticks and Provide language and literacy opportunity to video the
make more books available support to those whose first courses and upload them
online. language is not English. Ideas on the website to support
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202233
Legacy And Future
Participants were asked to describe in a short
sentence or a set of words, what they would like
to see as the legacy of the 2018–2022 Library
Development Plan. Many rich and diverse responses
were given by people who attended the workshops
and included comments such as:
A hub for social A place where
inclusion and knowledge,
community community and
engagement. imagination unite.
Accepted, A leading vibrant
utilised and fully cultural centres
informative. in Dublin.
Relevant, dynamic Still bringing joy,
e-learning/online learning. service leading learning, sharing,
Also run more day-time the way in the creating and growing
activities e.g. 11am/3–4pm. community. to the community.
• Mobile Libraries
Use the mobile library
service to have a presence at
various community festivals One stop
and as satellite libraries, for knowledge shop.
example, visiting community
centres staffed by volunteers,
ensuring some library
presence in every area. Others referred to the importance of supportive
staff, literacy groups, engagement with children,
• Vision and Mission community-based, accessible and user-friendly
Greater clarity on the libraries’ services, as well as having quiet rooms and a
core mission and vision, place for people who need information and
and measurable targets to knowledge.
evaluate impact and success.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202234 Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
35
Consultation Process
PESTEL Analysis
Political Economic Social
• Change of Government = • Money – funding • Change in demographics –
change in policies • Pressure of more pressing population
• Value placed on libraries concerns i.e housing • Cultural Diversity
• Left vs Right • Shortage of Capital funding • Homelessness
• Change in Department – • Economic uncertainty – Brexit • Pressure on Families
Rural and Community Affairs • Procurement – shared • Mental Health etc.
• Local Election 2019 services • Extent of Range of Users/
• Activation by Councillors in Potential Users
view of local election • Education
• Role of LGMA • Literacy – digital/information/
• Change of Manager/Director conventional
• Influence of Community • Social Exclusion/non-users
Groups • Social Policies – gender/cultural
• Perception/Promotion
• Time poverty
• Employment conditions
• Response to Changes
• Community spaces
Technological Environmental Legal
• Rapid Expansion in • Impact of new housing on • Data Protection / GDPR
Technology Environment • EU Regulation
• Progress of LMS • Library expanding service to • Garda Vetting
• Traditional delivery of reach new estates
• Volunteerism
services needs to change • New models of libraries
• CCTV
• Open Libraries • Green Procurement
• Regulations outside of our
• Delivering more technological • Use of space within our control
based services: iPads/ libraries
• Issues arising from shared
smartphones • Role of tourism – protecting services
• STEAM natural heritage
• Health and Safety –
• Profiling/Beacon Technology • Directives – environmental accessibility
• Digitisation • Traditional view vs Popular – • Risk Assessment
• Extra opening hours New SDZs + obligations
• Requirement for reporting
• Social/Neutral spaces growing
• Freedom of Information
• Culturalism
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202236
Consultation Process
S.W.O.T Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses
• Excellent Staff • Brand – confusion
• Brand • Communication
• Inclusive • Cohesion
• Community Links • Lack of Research/Evaluation/Feedback/
• Community Support Analysis on what we do
• Political Goodwill • Reactionary
• Good infrastructure • More reflection needed
• Funding • Staff Training
• Opening Hours and Accessibility • Promotion/Marketing – targeting non users
• Professional Service • Geographical Spread
• Creative • ICT – More do to
• Online service
• Embrace change
• Collections
• Local Studies Department
Opportunities Threats
• New Building • Technology
• New Services • Political Environment/Change
• Shared Services • Loss of Identity
• Technology/STEAM • Regulations – too much
• Demographics • Google Search
• New staff/new ideas • Staff mobility
• New partnerships with South Dublin County • Public Expectations
Council Departments and others • Economic Factors
• Collaborations • Changing demographics
• National initiatives • Open Libraries
• Local identity
• Training/Professionalism
• Social Media
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202237 Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
38
Research
Outcomes
The research conducted as part of the
consultation process for the Library
Development Plan identified a number of
themes to be reflected as key strategic
objectives and actions.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202239
Vision, Mission and Purpose
In the course of the consultation process, it has emerged that South
Dublin Libraries should have a very clear mission statement outlining
its purpose to guide its work, and also to help communicate to
the diverse communities that it serves. The Plan also provides the
opportunity for South Dublin Libraries to show leadership in how it is
shaping the future of the library service in the 21st Century.
Marketing and Promotion
An on-going awareness-raising campaign to promote the Library
Services across a range of traditional and online platforms with
specific areas of focus.
Staff Development
Develop leadership at all levels of the workforce engaging in
organisational development to further enhance the contribution of
all staff to the Library Service.
Information, Communication and Technology
Explore, exploit and invest in the potential of ICT to improve the
overall Library Service.
Digital Literacy
Development and promotion of informal education and training
opportunities in the areas of digital literacy for young people and
adults with specific areas of focus.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202240
Research Outcomes
Quiet Space
Explore ways of creating an environment that respects the
needs of all users from the very young to the very old, in order
to maintain a quality library experience, particularly in the busier
libraries.
Local Studies and Resources
Harness the potential of the huge resources and expertise in
Local Studies, cultural heritage and history within the library
service to benefit both South Dublin County Council and the local
community.
Opening Hours
Promote greater awareness of the extent of existing
opening hours.
Audience Development
Promotion of inclusive engagement across the community with
specific emphasis on the non-user
Measurement and Impact
Development of a process for the collection of standardised
statistics and evidence-based reporting to provide more in-depth
information on people’s experiences and observations of the
Library Services.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202241 Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-2022
42
Key
Objectives
Having examined our existing facilities, the
demographic profile of the communities
we serve, and the findings from the
extensive consultation process, six key
objectives have been identified.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202243
Objective 1: with traditional literacy, the
Reading, Literacy and development and promotion of
informal education and training
Digital Literacy
opportunities in the area of
digital literacy will be a priority
The promotion of reading and
of our service.
the development of literacy
is at the core of our library
South Dublin Libraries is
service. Literacy encompasses
committed to strengthening
significantly more than reading
existing networks, supporting
and writing. The capacity not
local and national strategies,
just to read but to understand
and building on the partnership
and critically appreciate different
approach in delivering a • Facilitate and promote book
forms of communication is a
systematic literacy support clubs in all branches
key skill. Literacy empowers
service. Working through the
us, providing us with the skills • Encourage reading for leisure
nationally coordinated Right
to access long term social, through book displays and
to Read framework for literacy
educational, health and economic promotions
support and development is
benefits, and places us firmly
a priority across the library • Organise and facilitate
on the road to lifelong learning.
network. creative writing groups for
A free public library service
diverse groups
is uniquely placed to support
Actions:
and grow literacy skills and • Incorporate Plain English
• Identify a Right to Read Co-
facilitate the discovery of reading, Guidelines into promotional
ordinator, and compile an
creativity, and innovation. materials
annual Right to Read Action
Plan outlining our strategies • Ensure that our libraries are
Libraries play an essential role in
user-friendly, incorporating
nurturing the reading habits of • Maintain comprehensive
clear signage, and designed
children from a very early age and contemporary literacy
to ensure ease of access to
and stimulating imagination and resource collections in all
collections
creativity. This includes working branches
very closely with schools and • Continue to adhere to
• Provide regular literacy
families and also providing guidelines in pursuance of
awareness training for all staff
innovative programmes to retention of South Dublin as a
improve and support literacy • Develop and deliver Literacy Friendly Council
amongst young people. There programmes for adult and
• Delivery of programmes, from
is a strong relationship between family literacy
basic to advanced, designed
our libraries and many of the
• Actively target local schools to develop and enhance digital
schools in the County. These
offering class visits and literacy skills, with a particular
relationships will be further
events, to highlight to focus on adult and older users
developed and new ones forged
teachers and pupils our
with hard-to-reach and new • Continued development of
many literacy and reading
schools during this plan. STEAM (Science, Technology,
development resources
Engineering, Arts and
Technology influences the • Provide and promote the Mathematics) programmes for
way people live their lives TTRS (Touch Type Read Spell) young people
and connect and engage with facility across the branch
• Network with external
public services. The ability to network, while investigating
organisations to deliver on
interact as a digital citizen is an other reliable software and
digital literacy programmes,
important skill. Hand-in-hand apps which support literacy
and to engage in best practice.
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202244
Key Objectives Actions:
• Redevelop the existing South to increase awareness and
Dublin Libraries website to membership
offer customer focussed,
• Promote the Libraries Ireland
interactive, easily accessed
identity and participate
and streamlined information
in any national marketing
• Develop and implement a social strategy working towards the
media marketing strategy to development of a recognisable
advertise, and continuously library brand nationwide
update the range and extent of
• Redesign the current library
services and programmes on
membership card to reflect
offer in South Dublin Libraries
a more contemporary image
Objective 2: • Appoint a social media for both adult and children’s
Marketing and Promotion committee to progress and services
monitor our online marketing
• Monitor and evaluate
Since the previous Library • Develop a promotional video customer satisfaction through
Development Plan, we have to raise awareness of library inviting feedback online, a
witnessed profound changes services proactive approach from
in how we communicate and library staff, and the use of
advertise our services. • Using this video, actively
customer comment cards
target schools in the County
Statistics monitoring social
media released by IPSOS MRBI
compares social media account
ownership and usage in Ireland
in the 12 months to April 2017:
• Facebook remains the
dominant social media
platform at 57%
• Facebook has the largest
Facebook Facebook
proportion of its members
Most Dominant Platfrom Largest Proportion
using it daily (74%)
of Daily Users
• Instagram has seen the largest
increase from 23% to 28%
• LinkedIn usage is at 28%, an
increase of 2% on the previous
year
• Twitter account ownership has
declined 4% to 25%
• 28% of over 15 year-olds now Instagram LinkedIn
use Instagram Largest User Increase Usage at 28%, up 2%
on previous year
It was evident from the
information gathered during our
focus groups that awareness
of our wide range of services
could be improved. South
Dublin Libraries will undertake
an on-going awareness-raising
campaign to promote library
services across a range of
Twitter Instagram
traditional and online platforms
Account Ownership 28% of over 15-year-olds
with specific areas of focus on
declined 4% to 25% now using Instagram
the development of a social
media strategy.
https://shawconsulting.ie/2017/08/21/social-media-usage-in-ireland-2017/
Open to You South Dublin Library Development Plan 2018-202245
Objective 3:
Information
Communication
Technology
South Dublin Libraries are
continually seeking ways to
enhance service delivery. ICT
staff ensure that infrastructure,
hardware, software and online
services are maintained and
developed to the highest
standard. To ensure the
efficient running of the library
management system, there
is close liaison between our
ICT team and counterpart
colleagues nationwide. An
excellent working relationship
continues with the IT
Department of South Dublin
County Council to trouble-shoot
any infrastructural issues. Actions:
• Re-design of the • Collation of statistics for local
Over the next five years, we will libraries website, www. and national requirements
work to provide an excellent southdublinlibraries.ie
service with cutting-edge • Management of data
development, future-proofing • Maintenance of the library protection requirements
by investigating the latest ICT management system, including
• Plotting of library patron
developments. Attention to support to staff and liaison
location across the county
school children is foremost with colleagues nationwide
using Eircode and GIS
in our plans and continued • Continue liaison with suppliers Technology to better assist
collaborative participation in regard to hardware, planning and marketing
in projects such as Fiosracht software and infrastructural
and STEAM projects will be • Promotion and championing
requirements
expanded. Providing support of STEAM activities for
and technology such as 3D • Continue liaison with Local children up to 12 years across
printers will enhance the Government Management the branch network
expansion of Maker Spaces and Agency on ICT national
• Develop Maker Spaces in
Digital Learning Centres across projects
branch libraries providing the
the branch network. • Management of the Source necessary technology and
project, the digital system support
housing Local Studies material
• Explore opportunities for digital
• Staff support and training in learning centres, building on
ICT infrastructure the experience at Palmerstown
Library Digital Hub
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