The following breakout sessions will be taking place at the Libraries Connected Annual Seminar: Connecting Communities, on Tuesday 20 June, between 11.05 – 12.15 and repeated at 15.35 – 16.40.

Diversifying our book collections: Can we do better?

Led by Sarah Mears Programme Manager Libraries Connected

This workshop will introduce the findings from the recent workforce survey about perceptions of the diversity of our book collections conducted by University of Coventry. We will then discuss two areas highlighted in the report – inclusive stock policies and increasing stock knowledge, harnessing both traditional and newer book recommendation channels. It would be helpful (but not essential) if attendees have could look at their own stock policies prior to attending the workshop.

Developing a library-led cross-authority reading for pleasure strategy

Led by Dr Carina Spaulding, Head of Research & Evaluation, The Reading Agency & Tony Brown, Stock and Reader Development Manager, Islington Library Service

This workshop will share insights into The Reading Agency’s support for the development of a five-year reading strategy, driven by Islington Libraries and adopted by the Council. We will focus on the approach taken, including evidence mapping and consultation with key stakeholders, as well as on implementation plans and intended impact. The strategy will connect partners within the Council and communities in the Borough around reading for pleasure to deliver priority outcomes. Discussions will focus on the replicability of the model for other library services interested in the approach.

Impact and Evaluation in public libraries in the East of England

Led by Jill Terrell, Head of Norfolk Libraries and Information Service & Professor John Gordon, Academic Chair – CreativeUEA, Professor of Language Arts and Learning, University of East Anglia

Come and hear about the work behind this new report that has developed a new model to measure, manage and evidence the impact of social connections in libraries and find out how it could benefit and apply to your own services. The workshop will outline the assumptions and social / economic value of the impact public libraries make on digital inclusion; health, wellbeing and independent living; and children’s literacy and associated outcomes. It will introduce you to the newly developed EVOLS interactive model that can be adapted to measure and calculate an economic return for a wide range of activities. This report was commissioned with the support of individual services in Libraries Connected East (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough, Southend, Suffolk, and Thurrock), Arts Council Regional and LC National.

E-Book Lending in Public Libraries

Led by Emma House, Consultant, Oreham House & Anthony Hopkins, Trustee/Project Sponsor and Head of Service at Merton Libraries

The eLicensing project aims to increase affordability and availability of digital content to public library services by looking at existing and new business models.  This workshop is a chance for Heads of Service to:

• hear about the eLicensing project

• learn about the pilot

• understand how to get involved

• express any queries or concerns about eBook licensing

• discuss best practice around promoting books and brainstorm what more can be done.

The National Literacy Trust and Library Services: A powerful partnership improving children’s early communication with language development

Led by Amy Fox, Senior Project Manager, National Literacy Trust & Liz Parkes, Senior Library Services Manager, Community Library Service Birmingham

Early language development is the essential building block in the development of children’s literacy and as such a key part of their educational success. In this workshop, we highlight how libraries are uniquely placed to support the early communication and language development of families with one to two-year olds in the home learning environment.

We share the opportunities and learnings from the partnership working between Birmingham Communities Libraries, National Literacy Trust and Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to enable and implement the First Words Together programme in the Birmingham Community libraries.  This evidence-based programme delivered by library staff, trained and supported by National Trust and NHS Speech and Language Service aims to work with underserved families developing parents’ confidence to support their under-twos communication and development in the home by providing key strategies, fun activities and supportive information.

Income Generation & Future Funding

Led by Iain Moore, Commercial Director, Libraries Connected

The Future Funding programme aims to support libraries in developing additional sources of funding that are complementary to the libraries’ values and their member’s needs.

This workshop will outline the steps we have taken to get here, share learning on the impact of the Future Funding skills programme, and consider next steps.

We are keen to share the Guide to Income Generation and consult on what support would be beneficial in putting some of these strategies into place.