ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the approaches which needs-based and community-led library services can use to consult and engages with local communities to ensure that they are fully involved in the design, planning, delivery and evaluation of library services. Consultation has become a very important issue for public library services in the UK and Canada. The UK government's White Paper Strong and Prosperous Communities set out wide-ranging proposals for supporting the improvement of local services. Community engagement requires good awareness of the range of different communities within an area. Demographic data analysis is used to map inequalities, identifying current and future needs, and tailor library services accordingly. From the onset of the Working Together Project (WTP) there was recognition that a new set of tools needed to be developed in order to actively include socially excluded community members in service development. Thus, the consultation techniques developed when using a community-led approach necessitate the development and maintenance of relationships.
