Best Returns

Best Value Guidance
for
Library Authorities in England

1 Foreword

The statutory duty of best value has been in place now for over a year.  The first year saw over 40 library related reviews, and almost 600 best value inspections, including 100 in the cultural services sector.

Best Returns was originally a snapshot of best value taken in July 2000 at a fluid time in its development - against a background of experimental processes in local authorities; in the context of proposed national public library standards, awaiting the outcome of consultation; and with a new inspection regime under development and gearing up to its first ‘live’ inspections. 

Since then there have been no changes to the statutory framework or guidance for local authorities.  But best value is evolutionary; and there have been changes in the library sector, notably the publication of national public library standards.

A year on since the first edition, Best Returns has been thoroughly updated to reflect these developments.  The second edition is aimed at the existing readership as well as those who are not familiar with the original guidance.  All sections have been revised, and the section on standards and national performance indicators completely rewritten.  New sections are included on:

• implementing and monitoring improvement plans;
• getting the most out of best value and best value reviews;
• what inspectors will do; and
• getting the most out of inspection.

Also included are case studies describing the review and inspection experiences of three library authorities - Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, the London Borough of Sutton and Staffordshire County Council.

These additions all draw on what local authorities and inspectors have learned from the first year of best value.

Best Returns is based on the most up-to-date information available at the time.  The second edition is a snapshot of best value taken in July 2001; best value will continue to develop as local authorities, the Audit Commission, Government and others learn more about what works best in improving local services.

2. Introduction