Search for board members for the Library Authority

The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure is re-advertising for members of the new Library Authority, Libraries NI.

Commenting today Culture Minister Gregory Campbell said: “I have already appointed the Chairperson and three board members but there are still a number of vacancies to be filled on the new Board. I am keen to see a wide geographical spread of members from across Northern Ireland. The activities of libraries go right to the heart of our local communities and so it will be important to have people with the right skills and commitment to represent regional interests.”

The Minister said that the appointments are being advertised this week.

He continued: “I hope that there will be high level of applications from people from all walks of life who will have the same objective, of improving front-line library provision and ensuring the success of this important new body.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The decision to unify the library service across Northern Ireland and establish a separate body to manage and deliver the service was taken by the Executive in June 2007, following the Review of Public Administration.
2. The Libraries Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 created a non-departmental public body to deliver the library service which is answerable to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Libraries Northern Ireland, the new Library Authority, will be governed by a Board consisting of a chairperson and up to 18 other members which includes 11 Councillor members.
3. Full responsibility for the public library service transferred from the Education and Library Boards to the Library Authority on 1 April 2009.
4. Media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 90 515047 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.