Libraries Connected is pleased to announce the launch of the Libraries Development Framework, a national framework for public library services administered by Arts Council England.  

The Libraries Development Framework will allow library services to advocate effectively at local and national levels with community partners, national stakeholders, and local and regional decision-makers. It will support library services to demonstrate their commitment to ongoing improvement, innovation, and best practice, local and national policy alignment, cross-sectoral working and staff development and motivation. 

The Framework is an annual programme accepting 30 applications from library services each year.  The application process is made up of four sections, each with several questions requiring a library service to demonstrate and showcase its work and best practice in each area.  

The development of the draft content for the Framework was funded by Arts Council England and produced by Libraries Connected and Shared Intelligence in consultation with the library sector. The final Framework has been tested and re-tested with the support and input of key stakeholders and library services across England. Library services can find instructions on how to apply via the Arts Council England website.

Luke Burton, Director, Libraries at Arts Council England said: 

'As the development agency for libraries, Arts Council England is delighted that the Libraries Development Framework is now live for applications. We hope it will prove to be a valuable and impactful service development tool and are looking forward to seeing how the framework develops.'