§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made in improving the service provided by public libraries. [10036]
§ Tessa JowellThe Government have encouraged better planning and accountability in public library services through the introduction of Annual Library Plans and a more rigorous enforcement of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. Standards of service for library authorities were introduced from 1 April this year. Additionally, £170 million of lottery money is being made available to libraries through the People's Network programme to upgrade their ICT infrastructure, create innovative digital content and train library staff in the use of ICT.