Executive Summary

This report identifies what public library authorities can do to help combat social exclusion. Its main recommendations are that:

Social inclusion should be mainstreamed as a policy priority within all library and information services. Library authorities should consider what specific services need to be tailored to meet the needs of minority groups and communities.
Library authorities should consult and involve socially excluded groups in order to ascertain their needs and aspirations.
Libraries should be located where there is a demand, but should build upon existing facilities and services wherever possible.
Opening hours should be more flexible and tailored to reflect the needs and interests of the community.
Library and information services should develop their role as community resource centres, providing access to communication as well as information.
Libraries should be the local learning place and champion of the independent learner.
Libraries should be a major vehicle for providing affordable (or preferably free) access to ICT at local level.
Library and information services should form partnerships with other learning organisations.
Library authorities should consider whether some services aimed at socially excluded people might be more effectively delivered on a regional basis.

Library authorities are encouraged to adopt a strategy based on the following six-point plan:

Identify the people who are socially excluded and their geographical distribution. Engage them to establish their needs.
Assess and review current practice.
Develop a strategy and prioritise resources.
Develop the services, and train the library staff to provide them.
Implement the services and publicise them.
Evaluate success, review and improve.

In taking this action plan forward, libraries will need to address a number of challenges including:

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Executive Summary of Key Policy Objectives