22 January 2007
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 20 April 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 email: rpalibraries@dcalni.gov.uk
Copies of the consultation document can be accessed on www.dcalni.gov.uk (libraries page). If you require a hard copy or any other format please contact Jonny Curry, Libraries Branch, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Tel: 028 9025 8927, or email: rpalibraries@dcalni.gov.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The Review of Public Administration reached its conclusion in March 2006. It was a comprehensive examination of the arrangements for the administration and delivery of public services in Northern Ireland.
- Under the Review of Public Administration, the Secretary of State announced that a regional library body would be established from April 2008 to take forward delivery of library services across Northern Ireland. The Libraries Order is intended to provide the statutory basis for this change.
- Media enquiries should be forwarded to DCAL press Office on 028 90258901 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk.
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