Libraries, archives and heritage
Libraries play important roles as meeting places; in developing learning; giving access to the internet; supporting literacy, and providing information to local residents on issues such as public health and finding jobs.
The LGA and English Heritage are working with partners to help local historic environment services adapt, modernise and continue to improve at a time of budget reductions and a new approach to planning.
Recent projects involving libraries, archives and heritage have included:
- challenging teenage attitudes to health risks through an interactive experience combining music, film, graphics and lighting effects
- increasing employment prospects for long-term unemployed and vulnerable adults through training in heritage land-based skills and traditional crafts
- using photography to help people appreciate their local environment and connect them to their neighbourhoods
- promoting shared reading to reduce isolation and increase social interaction for adults with a learning disability.
Contact
If you have any queries or would like further information about our work on libraries, archives and heritage please contact:
Laura Caton
Email: laura.caton@local.gov.uk
In this section:
Libraries e-lending review
The DCMS has published the e-Lending review, which includes information on how council libraries can play their part in the digital revolution.
Libraries to improve digital access
Six major libraries across the UK will be given the right to collect, preserve and provide long-term access to the increasing proportion of the nation's cultural and intellectual output that appears in digital form.
LGA call for heritage case studies
Councils are at the forefront of protecting local heritage and opening it up for residents and visitors to enjoy and learn from. The LGA is looking for good examples of innovative conservation services and ways of working, which other councils can learn from.
Arts funding boosts economic growth
21 February 2013
Everyone knows art plays a key role in the culture and identity of local communities, but many councils are now tapping into its financial potential too, writes Cllr Flick Rea, Chair of the LGA's Culture Tourism and Sport Board.
Community libraries: learning from experience
Arts Council England (ACE) and LGA have published new research about the different ways in which communities are involved with their local libraries. The research, undertaken by Locality, reveals that more than 170 community libraries are operating, with nearly all supported by their council.
See also:
Support for the creative economy
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee launches a new inquiry into support for the creative economy.
HELAC Case studies
Through the Historic Environment: Local Authority Capacity (HELAC) project, the LGA is working with five councils to improve and learn from each other. Case studies from these councils, plus an extra three, are now on the Historic Environment Local Management website.
Taking Part survey
The latest 'Taking Part survey' is available on the DCMS website. It shows record levels of engagement with the arts and attendance at heritage sites, museums and galleries since the survey began in 2005.
Heritage Champions Welcome Pack
English Heritage have launched a Welcome Pack, including advice and guidance on being a Heritage Champion. Current Heritage Champions can email to: champions@english-heritage.org.uk.
Publications:
Driving growth through local government investment in the arts
8 March 2013
This publication argues that the arts have a vital role to play in driving economic growth, and that local government is key to achieving this.
Community libraries – learning from experience
22 January 2013
A joint Arts Council England and Local Government Association (LGA) report that looks at how communities are involved in library service delivery.
New ways of working for historic environment services
LGA and English Heritage report on innovations in historic environment services and the Historic Environment Local Authority Capacity Project.
Local solutions for future local library services
Learnings from a series of successful LGA events, showcasing the creativity and commitment of councils.
Learning from the Future Libraries Programme: Phase one
Findings of work with 36 councils on how libraries are adapting to meet the future.
Good practice guide for local heritage listing
This English Heritage publication shows how local heritage lists provide a unique opportunity for communities, in partnership with local authorities, to identify heritage assets that they wish to protect.
