ABSTRACT
The language of needs has become a dominant concept in the contemporary discourse on public libraries. The essential elements of a needs-based library service are strategy, structure, systems and culture. Strategy needs to be informed by the corporate objectives of the local authority, which are in turn influenced by the local Sustainable Community Strategy. To develop new staffing and service structures to deliver this strategy. The next stage in developing a needs-based library service is to assess all existing policies, procedures and processes to ensure that they are consistent with the strategy, service and staffing structures. The final and most important stage in developing a needs-based library service is to develop an organisational culture which can support and deliver the strategy, service and staffing structures, and systems. The process of cultural change can be accelerated through a combination of service action-planning, performance management and workforce development.
