How we have improved our service to Welsh speakers and learners:
Action 1
We re-assessed our provision in 1990 and decided to concentrate on material to support learners and books for children. We created and re-stocked sections for learners at all libraries. We introduced many audio visual sets and videos like "Now you’re talking"
Outcome:
The initial response was good and has been sustained in part, but we found that many users of this material did not develop into readers and we did not have the capacity to be as proactive as we would have wished
Action 2
Clear the bulk of unused/very poorly used stock to a new Welsh language resource room at Dowlais where it can be sorted and organised
Outcome:
Done, although more work is need to re-classify the collection
Action 3
Challenge library users the local Welsh community readers of Y Cylch to help us by using library services, suggesting stock, etc
Outcome
Done twice with the willing co-operation of the magazine, but no response
Action 4
Place Welsh material in a more prominent position at the Central Library
Outcome
Done
Action 5
Create a comprehensive collection to support and promote learning Welsh
Outcome
Done. We now have every item listed on the GWALES site available in stock in a special collection and more in the system. The set includes different dialect version and every available format.
Action 6
Encourage feedback from schools by using the connections with the Welsh Books Council
Outcome
We have started to encourage links with the Welsh Books Council book promotion service, but more work is needed to encourage schools and pupils to let us know what items they would like to see available locally, but perhaps may not be able to afford to buy or buy in sufficient numbers to meet demand from pupils.
Action 7
Create sets of books and other material suitable for longer-term loan. The sets will be created in collaboration with Siop y Canolfan and reflect a range of needs - to families with young children, Welsh learners and students, etc. These sets can be borrowed for at least 6 - 12 months, depending on the borrower's needs.
Outcome
Done
Action 8
Make a mobile library available for “days” per annum to promote the new set of material for Welsh learners and opportunities to learn Welsh
Outcome
Only partly completed due to delays in bringing the vehicle into service and a combination of with other commitments and the need to make detailed arrangements with schools and learner groups. The main pattern of visits started in early September 2006. The van will target children and parents seek to offer stock and promote visits to the static libraries.
Action 9
Re-establish full Welsh language collections at Dowlais and Treharris
Outcome
First stage (establishment of physical space and transfers) has been completed. More new stock is due in 2006 with completion to the designated level by 2007-8. Further developments, at all sites, will depend on take-up.
Action 10
More attempts at consultation using the power if the new library management system
Outcome
We will send a letter to all members who our system shows to have borrowed any Welsh language material since 2004, in order to offer them the chance to contribute to the re-stocking of the Welsh language sections.
What else could - or should - we reasonably do? Please tell us…
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