Views sought on single library authority

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is seeking views on the setting up of a new Northern Ireland Library Authority.

Launching the consultation paper on the draft Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order, Libraries Minister Maria Eagle said: “Legislation is required to provide the statutory basis for setting up the Northern Ireland Library Authority and is an important step in the Department’s implementation of the Review of Public Administration.

“The Order is intended to provide for the establishment in April 2008 of a regional Northern Ireland Library Authority to deliver the public library service.”

The Order sets out the statutory duties and primary functions of the new Authority, and provides for the transfer of functions and designated property, rights and liabilities from the five regional Education and Library Boards to the new Authority.

The Minister added: “The Northern Ireland Library Authority will provide a good basis for making professional and partnership links with a range of interests and sectors to reflect many functions of public libraries. Such links will include local government, education, adult learning, health, advice services, and community provision.

“The Library Authority will also provide a high quality service, equity of provision across all areas, and efficiency to meet the modern day needs of its customers. Moving to a single body should also through time bring about economies of scale.

Maria Eagle concluded: “I would encourage all those with an interest in the future of our library service to make their views known and all responses to the consultation will be carefully considered. Our aim is to ensure that legislation can be taken forward quickly thereafter in line with the targets in the Review of Public Administration.”

The closing date for receipt of responses to the consultation is Friday April 20 2007. Responses should be sent to Carol Morrow, RPA Libraries Team, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, 3rd Floor, Interpoint, 20-24 York St, Belfast BT15 1AQ or rpalibraries@dcalni.gov.uk.

(EF)