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Aberdeen's Future Library and Information Service

Libraries are an essential service for those who live, work and study in Aberdeen.

Consultation into how Aberdeen’s library service can best meet the needs of its citizens and communities will take place from July to October 2023.

This presents an opportunity for all to reflect, share ideas and shape the future of our library service.

How we engage and consult during this process is important. It is vital we capture the voice of library customers as well as capturing input from those who don’t currently access the library service or have yet to access services.

During the consultation there will be many opportunities for community engagement including those designed for children and young people, more anonymous consultation in libraries and online and invites to join themed focus groups as well as bringing in expertise from across our national library networks.

 

Future Library Service Consultation Survey

Be a vital part of shaping our future library provision so that resources can be directed to meet the needs of our ever-changing city and communities.

This survey is part of a range of consultation activity from the Aberdeen Library and Information Service, that will inform the direction and delivery of the future of the library service.

Complete the Online Survey

Various tools will be used to include written, digital, face to face and alternative formats to ensure participation is inclusive for all.

If you (or anyone you know) require a paper copy of the survey, please visit your nearest library.

A copy of the consultation is available to download. Completed consultations can be handed in to any city library or emailed to LibraryEvents@aberdeencity.gov.uk. 

Future Library Consultation422.05 KB

 

Children and Young People have their say

We want children and young people aged 0-18, parents/carers and those working with this age group to help shape how we deliver library services in Aberdeen.

In addition to the main consultation, there is a survey specifically designed to collate feedback from this age group and the Children and Young People's services and resources.

Children and Young People's Survey

If you (or anyone you know) require a paper copy of the survey, please visit your nearest library.

A copy of the consultation is available to download. Completed consultations can be handed in to any city library or emailed to LearningDevelopment@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Children and Young People Library Consultation133.13 KB

 

Consultation Engagement Sessions

Pop along to the following libraries for information on the consultation process where staff will be on hand to assist in completing the survey (online or paper copies). Dates will be announced soon for forthcoming external engagement sessions in the communities affected by the library closures.

 

Central Library (Lending Library) - Monday 2 October, 2pm - 4.30pm

Central Library (Information Centre) - Tuesday 3 October, 9am - 12pm and 2pm - 4.30pm

Bridge of Don Library - Wednesday 27 September, 10am - 7pm

Bucksburn Library - Thursday 28 September, 10am - 5pm

Mastrick Library - Tuesday 26 September, 2pm - 4pm

Tillydrone Library - Monday 2 October, 1.30pm - 4.30pm

 

 

FAQs

The Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee agreed on Thursday 6 July that engagement and consultation should be carried out to ensure that the design of future library provisions is sustainable and responsive to the evolving needs of communities.

 

The consultation will run from July to October 2023.  There will be analysis and communication of findings in November with a draft Aberdeen’s Future Library and Information Service plan shared with focus groups, adjustments made and presented to the first Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee of 2024.

The consultation can be completed at city libraries and Marischal College Customer Service Centre, where staff will be available to assist. If you require a paper version, copies are available at city libraries and selected community venues. The library service is also planning some drop-in sessions, which will be promoted.

Aberdeen City Council will reconsider the decision made at the Council Budget meeting on 1 March 2023 to close Cornhill, Cults, Ferryhill, Kaimhill, Northfield and Woodside libraries. This decision will be made at full council in December 2023.

You are encouraged to share the link to the consultation with family members, friends and colleagues as well as members of community organisations in Aberdeen. The more people who take part, the better picture we'll have of have of where available resources can be maximised to ensure continued access to library and information services that are sustainable and responsive to local need.

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