Working with Libraries: My Highlights of 2022

Having been at Lorensbergs now for 20 months (and that has flown by in the blink of an eye), I would challenge those that think libraries are just about books to think again! I’m Jo Slade, the Account Manager for netloan. Here are some insights gathered from working with our customer libraries and from a number of industry events I was lucky to attend over 2022.

These included COSI (SirsiDynix’s EMEA AGM), the annual Libraries Connected seminar and most recently CILIP’s PMLG Teachmeet. Finally, I saw a lot of faces online while presenting at our yearly User Groups which is always an enjoyable experience.

SirsiDynix’s COSI

COSI gives a great opportunity to meet with a number of our customer libraries, with SirsiDynix being one of the UK’s largest LMS providers. As a partner it was great also to hear about their latest product developments.

Libraries Connected Seminar

The Libraries Connected seminar is a useful event to meet lots of customers and to attend some inspiring workshops. It gives you an inside view of what library staff do on a day-to-day basis, from groups and activities, to fundraising, to feeding into the overall national libraries strategy. Hearing about their work and just from the day to day conversations I have with customers, I am always struck by how under-utilised libraries are considering what amazing things they do to support personal development and wellbeing. There is so much good work, from supporting young families with baby rhyme time sessions, to social prescribing, to craft activities and even to wrestling!  Yes, you heard it, wrestling! They could be used so much more as part of local and national targeted approaches for improved health and wellbeing.

PMLG Teachmeet

I was also asked to attend the PMLG Teachmeet this year to represent Lorensbergs.  It was interesting to see what happens here as it was my first time. There were some very interesting presentations; here are just some of them:

Build a Business in Greater Manchester Libraries – Oldham

Oldham were recipients of the European Regional Development Fund for their Build a Business project as part of the BIPC (Business and IP Centre) network. They held a new business support course, created co-working spaces, held workshops, events and networking. It’s the statistics that are of particular interest here. Of those that attended: 65% were women, 32% were aged 35 and under, 34% black, Asian and minority ethnic, 64% were from the most deprived areas and 15% were disabled.  With such wide representation, it proves libraries are a neutral, welcoming space to go to share ideas and get support. The co-working spaces were buzzing and alive with collaboration and activity. 

We have discussed this topic previously in our blog here: Getting the Economy Back on Track: Essential Support from Libraries

Kirklees Wellness Service

Kirklees, through their Community Plus programme support adults 18 years+ with personally tailored health and wellbeing goals. They might involve losing weight, giving up smoking or building personal confidence.  The wellness team work on a one-to-one basis giving information, help and guidance to enable healthier, happier lives and help people feel more able to look after themselves.  I saw the libraries and Community Plus staff working positively together to help their local community. 

Social prescribing and local partnerships to support communities were discussed at our User Group last November too – more on this below.

Strategic Partnerships – Wakefield

A strategic partnership works if you gain access to new skills, knowledge or resources. It means that costs and risks can be shared, it can drive footfall and reach new audiences. It can also raise profile and income. So why work with the library service as a partner?  Libraries have a key USP – it’s a national network: they are recognised as free, neutral spaces, with local accessible venues.  People are happy to come as there is no stigma and they have such a varied offer. You can go into a library for anything.  This struck me, why don’t more local businesses, individuals, charities etc use their local library?  It’s a relatively inexpensive outlay to reach new and different audiences.

Building Capacity for Games in Libraries by Working in Partnership – Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

This session addressed how to put on games events in libraries with no money or resources.  Darren Edwards gave advice on seeking out local gaming businesses that would willingly give advice or potentially items for free.  This provoked a lot of conversation by the attendees as we thought about the scenarios of how it could be of use e.g. for tackling isolation, supporting mental health etc.

Jon Davis of Kirklees Libraries said that he puts a jigsaw on a table and before long complete strangers are bonding over getting it completed.  There are any number of ways gaming can encourage people to interact and join in.

Netloan User Groups

Finally, the 2022 user groups gave opportunity to update customers with what’s happening in netloan, offer advice and give training. Our customers are always a lively interactive bunch and it’s a great opportunity for them to share news, discuss best practice or simply enjoy comparing the various sweet treats favoured to stave off that afternoon lull. All are considered worthwhile discussions at our user groups!

As Covid is largely in retreat now, I’m delighted to be able to get out there and visit our customers at libraries to see first-hand the wonderful services and activities they are providing to their local communities. Bring on the next year of events attendance and the opportunity for meeting lots more customers face to face!