Kate Pitman describe the challenges, outcomes and successes of the transition to a new library model.

1. Idea Store: a successful and
sustainable model
Kate Pitman, Idea Store
Axiell Conference, Oxford, 3rd May
2017

2. The Idea Store story
• A radical transformation
• Developing the model
• Achievements
• What next?

7. The Idea Store Story
• “Bliss was it in that
dawn to be alive…”
• Chris Smith, Secretary
of State for Culture
1997 - 2001

8. How we used to be
Libraries
• Too many buildings
• Buildings old and
expensive to run
• Low levels of participation
• Could do better
Adult learning
• Too many buildings
• Buildings old and
expensive to run
• Low levels of participation
• Could do better

9. The starting point….
Ask the people

10. Key findings:
• 98% considered libraries to be important
• More books
• More IT
• Convenient opening hours
• People wanted libraries to be located where
they can combine visits with other activities -
particularly shopping

11. A radical transformation
• A radical long-term project not a piecemeal plan:
Idea Store Strategy proposed replacing all libraries
with 7 Idea Stores
• Dedicated project manager
• Huge capital investment
• Partnership with Bissett Adams
• The right place is vital
• Years until first Idea Store opens in Bow in 2002
• Flagship Idea Store Whitechapel doesn’t open
until September 2005

12. A radical transformation
Integration, not co-location

14. A radical transformation
The perfect spot

17. A radical transformation
A retail approach
• Non-municipal look and feel
• Opening hours that work for people
• Bookshop layout
• No more stupid rules

23. A radical transformation:
staffing
• The right attitude more important than
traditional skills
• Flexibility and creativity
• Learning from retail

25. A radical transformation: activities
• Aromatherapy, Foreign Languages, Photoshop &
Illustrator, Massage for Babies, DJ Mixing, Drama,
Creative Dance, Reiki, Food Hygiene, Beadwork,
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL),
Flower Arranging, Accounting, Computing for the
Terrified, Music Animation, Web Page Design, Art
History, Palmistry, Financial Literacy, Mask
Making, Healthy Eating, Business Courses, Book
Groups, Homework Clubs, Relaxation, Garden
Design, Making Kites, Languages for Families,
Driving Licence Theory, Tea Dances, Sleepovers,
Reflexology, Fashion & Textiles, Speedating, Time
Management …

26. Developing the model -

27. Developing the model: joining the
LLC
• From stand alone to consortium
• Shared working and benchmarking
• Better MI
This, and direct delivery, freed up staff for
front line

28. Developing the model: cross
service portfolios
• Health
• Employability
• Volunteering
• Digital
Integration of library and learning means a
very powerful offer

29. Developing the model: staffing
• A flattened structure
• Generic staffing
• Very competitive interview process

30. Developing the model
• A move from (just!) a broad range of
activities to putting in place a coherent
structure of community programmes
• Idea Stores as a ‘third place’
• Partnership work, especially in health and
employment

31. Results
• Around 2 million visits a year (from just
over half a million)
• No cuts in hours
• Lottery money to build Idea Store Watney
Market
• New sites identified
• An international reputation

32. Next steps
• Assisted digital
• Idea Store a gateway to other services
• A new Library Services Platform that
supports our ambition…