Agenda and minutes

- to approve the strategy for adoption

Consideration was given to a report of the Manager, Libraries, Museums and Arts, together with a draft Digitisation Strategy for Libraries, Museums and Arts.

The document encompassed strategic decision-making and gave practical advice for Libraries Museums and Arts on the subject of digitisation.

Consultation on the Strategy had been undertaken with colleagues and other practitioners.

Digitisation is the creation of digital (electronic) content or resources.  There are two kinds of digitisation that LMA Services are and will be undertaking:

·        Producing “born-digital” content – for example, electronic catalogue records, online learning resources, digital photographs

·        Producing digital copies of existing analogue material – for example, scanning hard copy photographs, converting VHS video into a downloadable format for the web

There are two main reasons for digitisation by LMA Services

·        To provide wide access to materials and/or information to customers and the wider community eg. over the internet

·        To create surrogate copies to preserve original analogue items for as long as possible

The draft Digitisation Strategy will help LMA to achieve the objectives of digitisation in an efficient way by:

·        Providing direction and focus for investment

·        Identifying appropriate standards, procedures and best practice

·        Avoiding duplication

·        Improving service provision

·        Ensuring content is accessible to all

·        Ensuring interoperability

·        Minimising risk

·        Protecting long-term investment by preserving assets/enabling assets to be re-used in the future

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Digitisation Strategy for LibrariesMuseums and Arts be approved for adoption.

(2)  That the Digitisation Strategy be submitted to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel.

- to receive the Performance Report

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Culture and Leisure which outlined the performance and progress against all Performance Indicators within Culture & Leisure from April – December, 2005.

The background in terms of the development of the Performance Management framework within Culture and Leisure was given.

The report covered the following issues:-

-                       Appendix 1 - Culture & Leisure 2005/06 Performance Indicators 4^th Quarter Report

-                       Appendix 2 - Customer Complaints, April 2005 – March 2006

-                       Appendix 3 - Monitoring against Culture & Leisure Risk Register

Members’ attention was drawn to the ‘Risk’ column, representing the probability of two components not meeting their 2005/06 published target.  These related to:-

·        CSPI 03 BVPI 170c – No. of Pupils visiting Museums and Galleries in Organised School Trips – This was predominantly due to the delay in the re-opening of Clifton Park Museum affecting the re-launch of the curriculum programme for schools

·        CSPI 47 – No. of Green Space sites with Green Flag award:  By March 2006 two applications for Green Flag awards had been submitted against a target of three.  This was primarily due to resource issues.  The submissions will be judged during June/July.

Action plans were in place to address performance where risk is High.  These plans are progressed within teams and progress is monitored.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Performance Report be received.

(2)  That a report on the performance and progress of Key Performance Indicators  only be submitted to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel.

- to consider acceptance of the tender submitted

Further to Minute No. 91 of a meeting of the Cabinet Member, Lifelong Learning, Culture and Leisure held on 20^th September, 2005, consideration was given to a report of the Executive Director, Economic and Development Services which sought approval to accept a tender for the work relating to alterations to form new hygiene facilities, a new foundations unit, and renewal of mechanical and electrical services to the existing main block at Kelford Special School.

This is the second phase of a two phase project.

As part of the current phase the existing mobile classroom units will be demolished, and, as soon as funds are made available for this purpose, the space left will form a play area.

It is intended that the project will be completed by March 2007 with a construction period of 36 weeks.  The Contractor requires a 4 week lead-in period.

The project is funded by the targeted capital fund and the Children & Young People’s Services school modernisation fund.

Resolved:-  That the tender submitted by Birse Build Limited, dated 13^th April 2006, with a Target Cost of £543,866 and a Guaranteed Maximum Price of £628,559 be accepted.