The Good Library Blog

2 April 2007
Disruption To Wigan Borough's Library Services

Disturbing news is coming out of Wigan. There will be some disruption to services at Wigan Borough's libraries on Tuesday 3rd April due to industrial action by library staff who are members of the trade union Unison.

The dispute appears to revolve around the desire to extend library opening hours in the evening and at weekends - times when there is popular demand for longer opening hours to suit user work patterns.

The action means that most libraries will close on Tuesday 3rd April.

Recently, the editor visited Wigan's libraries, which have been handed over to Wigan Leisure and Culture (charitable) Trust to manage, and was very impressed by what he saw. Staff morale appeared to be high, the libraries seem to have high quality stock, and there was an air of vibrancy and dynamism about the service. A feature on Wigan's library service will appear in the May issue of Managing Informaiton magazine.

A member of Unison's local branch has agreed to talk to Managing Informaiton magazine on Tuesday 3rd April, meanwhile we have received the statement below from the Wian Leisure and Culture Trust. We will update this story when we have talked to the Unison spokesperson.

WIGAN LIBRARY SERVICE STATEMENT:

In response to customer demand, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust wants to introduce more flexible opening hours at some libraries. This will result in some (not all) libraries opening for extra hours at weekends and evenings where there is strong public demand.

In order for the proposals to work fairly, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust has opted to invest in a more flexible workforce, resulting in a change in the terms of working conditions for all library staff from April 2007 onwards.

Unison and staff representatives have been consulted throughout the process to ensure the changes have a minimum impact on staff. A fair package for staff has been developed. Discussions have been ongoing for a period of 18 months.

Rodney Hill, Chief Executive of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, said, "We are very disappointed by this action. Over the last few years we have made great strides to improve the library service and our staff have played a major role in our success. The implementation of new terms and conditions is an investment by the Trust because we believe passionately that it will improve access to libraries for people across our borough.

"It is important to reiterate that we have consulted with staff and Unison throughout the process and we have worked very closely with the small number of staff who could be financially worse off. A high percentage of our staff will be either better off or at least on equal pay from April. We have also conducted research to quantify the affect on staff and many will only be asked to work one, or maybe two Sundays per year at most. We will also ensure that the staff rota is as flexible as possible."

Jacqui Boardman, Chair of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust's Board, said, "Our understanding is that in some areas there is strong demand for public libraries to be open at times different to their traditional opening hours. Up until the last two years Wigan Borough's library service, like many across the country, was in decline. However, due to all the positive steps we have taken, library usage levels and the flexibility of library services has improved immeasurably. The move to introduce more flexible opening times, is the next logical step, and fits with the changing lifestyle of the public."

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust's new vision for libraries has been implemented with great success. The five year vision has resulted in an increase in visitor numbers of 9% over the last four years. A public libraries user survey, covering all of the borough's sixteen libraries, found that 94.4% of library users were satisfied with the library service overall.

One of the key elements of the vision was the need for more flexible opening hours, such as evenings and some weekends, where there was strong public demand. The user survey also found that 92.6% of users approved of the move towards more flexible opening hours for the borough's libraries.

Other elements of the vision have included:

* a new 'Explore' brand for all libraries to make them more welcoming places to visit;

* the refurbishment of two major libraries - Ashton and Golborne;

* a new library in Platt Bridge as part of the Platt Bridge Community First project;

* improved book, CD and DVD stock;

* new ICT equipment to improve free Internet access;

* improved marketing of all library services;

* and a new programme of events and activities for people of all ages.

Library customers are being advised to contact 01942 827627 or visit www.wlct.org to find out what services are available. Customers are also being advised that this number should also be used to renew items if library facilities are closed. Items can be renewed or reserved online via the website.

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