Libraries are about reading, learning, information and literacy but above all they are about people and communities. Every day when library staff come to work they can make a difference to the people they meet. Norfolk Library and Information Service is proud to have been awarded the Libraries Change Lives Award twice in recent years and Jan will talk about how understanding the needs of communities, being prepared to try something new and being able to demonstrate how the impact that libraries can have not only on individuals but also the priorities of the Council has made a difference in Norfolk. #cilipconf19

1. Ensuring
Libraries Change
Lives everyday
Jan Holden
Head of Libraries and Information
Norfolk County Council

2. Service: Norfolk Library and Information Service
Plan on a Page 2019/20
What we’ll do How we’ll do it How we’ll know if we’ve made a
difference
Inclusion, community development and cultural enrichment: Work with public and voluntary sector
partners we will reduce social isolation and offer safe spaces for people to make social connections
with their community. We will grow our volunteer and Friends’ network, use Open Libraries to
ensure that libraries are accessible for 69 hours a week in most locations. We will widen our
Children’s Offer and develop a programme of cultural opportunities. Libraries will be at the heart of
the Local Service Strategy
Health and well-being Work in partnership with Public Health to increase the impact of information
and activities for target audiences, encourage healthy lifestyle choices and support social
prescribing. Libraries will provide welcoming spaces to enable the delivery practical activities locally.
There will be an improved early years and families offer and develop a children’s after school offer.
IMPACT evaluation tool will be used to demonstrate the early intervention and prevention
contribution of libraries for local communities.
We will improve skills and confidence and equip people for work, focusing on literacy, reading and
digital skills for target groups. We will create paid apprenticeship opportunities and support
volunteering opportunities for young people and those with disabilities, encouraging them to live
independently. We will continue to deliver the Norfolk Reading Pathway and seek funding
opportunities to work with vulnerable groups
Take Accountability Make Strategy Happen Be Evidence based
Values and behaviours that underpin everything
Vision: Support reading, learning and
information for people in Norfolk. Focussing
on reading for pleasure, raising literacy and
digital skills and offering information so people
will be able to live independent, happy and
fulfilled lives.
Outcomes:
• People are more engaged with reading,
learning, culture and heritage
• Health, social and economic inequalities
are reduced
• People can access information, advice
and services that help them to make
good decisions and healthy choices
• People have improved access to
community resources and opportunities
to enhance their skills and life chances
Priorities:
• Improve the literacy and digital skills
levels of Norfolk residents
• Support demand management with high
quality information and targeted activities
that improve health and well being and
improve life chances
• Maximise the use of our assets by sharing
buildings and seeking efficiencies and
income opportunities
• NLIS is financially sustainable and
efficiently run
Targets for Libraries
• Increased active use of libraries
(number of people that have
used the library in the last 12
months)
• Measurable impact on social
isolation/community
confidence
• Increased income generation
• Participation in digital inclusion
activities and offers
• Increased activity levels –
number of people at events
• Increased uptake of e-books
• Reading Pathway completers
• Increased number and range of
volunteers and volunteer
supported activity
• Increased number of young
people’s engagement activities
and book borrowing
• Service levels – libraries are
open as advertised and
equipment operational
Information and Advice: Reduce demand for specialist services by developing the Norfolk Community
Directory, NCAN referral system, strategic partnership with Citizens Advice Bureau and ensuring libraries
are included in social prescribing models. Contribute to the economic strength of Norfolk by working in
partnership with the British Library to further develop the business information offer We will also develop
the early years and family information offer
We will ensure libraries are safe, welcoming and offer consistent levels of service. The service will
be cost effective and will re-procure IT systems to deliver efficiencies. We will roll-out Open Libraries
to maximise the use of resources. We will increase the income from room hire and share premises,
taking an active part in the delivery of the NCC Local Service Strategy. We will seek funding, grants
and income opportunities.
Be Business Like Be Collaborative

22. Thank You
janet.holden@norfolk.gov.uk
NorfolkLibrariesUK
@NorfolkLibs