One Country, One Public Library Service

Abstract

The establishment of Libraries NI in 2009, an amalgamation of five library services, to create the largest public library service in the UK and Ireland presented a world of opportunities for the organisation and its customers, as well as a number of challenges.

Libraries NI has a network of 96 public libraries (large, medium, small - urban and rural) supporting communities within NI, 16 mobile libraries (urban/rural service) and 10 Homecall vehicles (services to housebound, people with different needs). 89% of the population live within a 2 mile radius of a library service point. We also offer online and outreach services to prisons, islands and those living in areas of deprivation.

We serve a diverse range of customers' all age groups (children including pre-school are a major customer group), from Ireland (North and South), Europe, Africa, India, China and political refugees being resettled in NI.

Our libraries are community hubs providing services that connect people with information, creativity, learning, IT learning opportunities, help and support, social interaction and Cultural Heritage experiences. Innovative service offers include children's programmes, social programmes, digital programmes, health promoting programmes, Good Relations and Cultural Heritage, e services, ICT services, lending from one library and returning to another anywhere in the country.

Libraries NI presents a challenge to public library authorities around the world - think about what we have achieved as one public library authority - would this work for you?