CORNWALL?Council is seeking public views on how library and One Stop Shop services are delivered in the future.

A consultation is currently running, which puts forward two models for discussion and comment, although the final design could be one or more of the models or something else introduced through the consultation and engagement process.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for communities Geoff Brown said: 'We want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible, including those who use libraries and one stop shops, town and parish councils, community groups and stakeholders. We are keen to hear from parties potentially interested in becoming involved in the running of the services. We also want to hear any ideas for running a cost effective and efficient service outside of the two suggested options.

'What we have to do is save money but at the same time use this as an opportunity to try to improve how we deliver these services in our communities.'

Cornwall Council, like other authorities, has to make substantial budget savings of £196-million over the next four years, with savings of £1.8-million having to come from the existing £4-million library and One Stop Shop service budget.

The council has already made changes to how these services are delivered, including amalgamating some One Stop Shops into libraries and introducing self-service kiosks.

Mr Brown added: 'The council has a statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient service that is accessible to all who wish to use it and has also committed not to reduce the number of branch libraries in Cornwall. In order to achieve the savings, we need to review how the service is delivered in the future. We want to work with communities, the voluntary sector, town and parish councils and other organisations to find the best solutions — as a whole service or for individual library branches.'

The two models currently being put forward for discussion are to transfer or 'devolve' the operation of individual libraries/One Stop Shops to other interested parties such as a town/parish council or community organisation, which includes options for alternative service delivery, including community owned or managed services and the involvement of volunteers, or a 'whole service' model — transferring the operation of libraries/One Stop Shops to a trust, commercial organisation or social enterprise or introduce further modern technology across the service. This latter model could also include options for a regional service with other local authorities.

Any other suggestions will also be welcomed and will be considered.

The library and One Stop Shop review consultation is underway now and will close on June 10.