Written question asked by Paul Robert Holmes (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 5 July 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 July 2006. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Thursday, 13 July 2006 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Public Libraries

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the (a) performance and (b) popularity of Sutton’s self-service public library.

Answer: There has been no such assessment. Day to day operational issues are for the judgment of the 149 library authorities in England.However, I understand that the self issue facilities in place at Sutton’s libraries have proved popular with the majority of users and, along with other improvements, have contributed to an increased number of visits and issues as well as helping with stock management.Part of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council’s (MLA’s) role is to investigate and disseminate good practice. Some of the improvements at Sutton libraries are featured on the Designing Libraries website, jointly funded by the MLA, at www.designinglibraries.org.uk.

Secondary information