The number of residents using the public mobile library service has declined over the last few years. However the home library service mobile library, which goes to residential homes, has remained stable.

And residents can already access library services in a variety of ways including online, through the home library service, the public mobile service and of course within the buildings themselves

Cllr Colin Jamieson, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and growth, said:

“Although the need to look at the service has come from current budget limitations, it is good business practice to reassess our offering, help us deliver a targeted library service to residents.

“We want to understand the impact of any changes on our customers and by working with communities and the voluntary sector, we will try to reduce the effects that any alterations may bring.”

The council will be consulting

• On maintaining the mobile library service, which goes to residential homes, provided by the council’s Home Library Service mobile library
• To understand the impact of removing the public mobile library services in more detail and to look at overcoming access issues by:
  • Extending the Home Library Service in partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS)
  • Consider the opportunities available within communities to create access to library services and contact with other people through car-sharing, good neighbour schemes etc.

Details of how to take part will be circulated throughout the library service and via parish councils. The consultation will take place during April and May.

A previous consultation had already looked at the numbers of people using the mobile library services and services are being withdrawn from areas with low levels of use. This has allowed a reduction in the number of vehicles from four to three and avoided spending on a replacement vehicle which would otherwise be needed. New mobile library timetables will start from 9 May.

The committee report can be found at http://www1.dorsetforyou.com/Council/COMMIS2013.nsf/MIN?OpenView&Count=1000&id=E701A6E15F7F1A9FD9CAA464DADCB156