As we have already reported earlier there are problems with the DCC analyses that are being used to inform decisions on Library cuts.

The main problem with these data is double counting – for example the population of Colyton is included in the population figure for Seaton, even though Colyton has its own library. Similarly Exmouth includes Budleigh Salterton; Cullompton includes Uffculme etc. This makes a nonsense on any rankings based on loans per head of Library “catchment” areas, or population without adjustment. There are also other problems in the way in which these data are then analysed to produce rankings.

DCC proposes to divide Devon libraries into two groups: Devon Centres, whose costs will be cut by 10 – 25 per cent, and community-run libraries, whose costs will be cut by 50 per cent. So here is an interesting alternative analysis to that conducted by DCC.

The proposed community-run libraries have such small costs that the only saving will be staff costs and so those libraries will have to be run by volunteers – or be closed.

The Axminster analysis of data indicates that, instead of super libraries, DCC should be looking to save money through efficiency. A comprehensive and more equitable spread of funding would also create a library service more appropriate for the rural communities of Devon.

Under the Public Libraries and Museums Act of 1964, the council has a legal obligation to provide an efficient library service. If the consultation was really about saving money then DCC should be looking at which libraries are the most cost efficient. Efficiency can be measured by the net cost per issue. On this measure small libraries are amongst the most cost effective in terms of net cost per book issued (direct costs minus revenues).

Axminster at £0.75 per issue tops the list. Other particularly cost effective libraries include Bovey Tracey, Ottery St Mary, Braunton and Budleigh Salterton and all are on the list to be community-run. Four proposed Devon Centre, super libraries, are amongst the least ten cost efficient libraries with cost per book issued at £2.13 for Exeter. It is clear that the consultation has not yet looked at which libraries are performing well and efficiently.

If the policy was really about saving money in Devon Library Services, massive savings could be made by getting inefficient libraries to perform at the same level of efficiency as those at the top such as Axminster.
From the data provided by DCC in the consultation documents, together with Freedom of Information data on Exeter, it is known that net direct costs per year are £4.3 million and that issues are 2.8 million and that at Axminster it costs 75p per issue.

If all issues cost the same as Axminster’s 75p, then issues would be £2.1 million. That would save £2.2 million. If the rest of Devon was as efficient as Axminster, DCC would save £2.2 million.

County Councillor Andrew Moulding will be putting Axminster’s figures to DCC, see:
http://www.midweekherald.co.uk/news/new_figures_boost_fight_to_save_axminster_library_1_3610759

The figures behind the Axminster analysis can be found on a spread sheet on the “Support for Axminster Library” Facebook page and is intended as a public resource.

The spread sheet attempts to remove bias using data from DCC “Tough Choices” https://new.devon.gov.uk/libraryreview/ website for the libraries in Devon on town profiles, opening hours and how these have changed over the past three years, costs, and put them on an equal footing using DCC estimates of town and ward populations.

DCC consultation continues until July 17.