Appendix 3 - Benchmarking Case Studies
Perth and Kinross Council · 17 June 2026
Back to Perth and Kinross Council — 17 June 2026 and its agenda
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Appendix 3 Benchmarking Case Studies Libraries as Community Service Hubs (UK & Scotland) 1. Integrated Library Hub Model – Kirklees Council (England) Overview Kirklees Council has developed a network of Integrated Library Hubs, repositioning libraries as multi-purpose centres providing access to a wide range of council and community services. Integrated Library Hubs FINAL.pdf Model The hubs combine: • Library services (books, digital access, cultural activity) • Council customer services and advice • Digital inclusion support • Early help and wellbeing services • Community engagement and outreach This creates a single-access point for public services within local communities. Outcomes • 92% of residents within 2 miles of a hub • 63% of enquiries resolved at first contact • 46,000+ digital transactions delivered • 31% increase in IT usage • Delivered within existing resources, contributing to wider savings Key Benefits • Improved access and convenience for residents • Increased efficiency across council services • Stronger community engagement • Enhanced digital inclusion Relevance to Option 2 • Demonstrates a fully integrated hub model • Provides evidence of: o improved outcomes o operational efficiency • Direct comparator for town and city “anchor hub” locations Key Learning • Integration (not just co-location) is critical • Early focus on customer access and digital support delivers quick wins • Can be delivered without significant additional cost
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2. Libraries as Health & Wellbeing Hubs – Scotland (“NHS Near Me”) Overview Across Scotland, libraries are used as local access points for NHS services, particularly through the “Near Me” video consultation programme, delivered in partnership with NHS Boards and local authorities. Co-creating-libraries-for-wellbeing-Final-Report.pdf Model Libraries provide: • Private spaces for NHS appointments • Digital access and equipment • Staff support for users • Integration with NHS systems This is a partnership-led model, using existing library infrastructure. Outcomes • Delivered across 13+ local authority areas New Near Me Hub Launches in Clydebank Library | West Dunbartonshire Council • Increased access to healthcare services • Reduced travel, particularly in rural areas • Improved support for digitally excluded users • Increased use of library facilities Key Benefits • Tackles digital exclusion and inequality • Supports preventative health and early intervention • Strengthens partnership between: o local government o NHS • Delivered quickly and cost-effectively Relevance to Option 2 • Demonstrates targeted service integration without major restructuring • Particularly applicable to: o rural libraries o mobile provision • Supports the case for: o partnership-led delivery model Key Learning • Partnership agreements are essential • Libraries are trusted settings, improving uptake • Smaller interventions can deliver high impact quickly
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3. Parkhead Library – Health & Social Care Hub (Glasgow) Overview Parkhead Library has been integrated into a Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Hub, creating a co-located facility delivering library, health, and community services Parkhead Hub | Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership Parkhead Hub opening event Model The hub brings together: • Library services • Health and social care provision • Community spaces and activities • Informal support and social spaces The library functions as both: • A standalone service • A gateway into wider public services Outcomes • Improved access to multiple services in one location • Increased use of community facilities • Enhanced visibility of health and support services • Reduced need for multiple journeys between services Key Benefits • Strengthens integration between services • Supports prevention and early intervention • Enhances user experience through co-location • Reinforces library as a community anchor Relevance to Option 2 • Strong Scottish comparator for co-located hub model • Demonstrates: o integration with HSCP/NHS o place-based service delivery • Particularly relevant for: o Perth City / major town hubs Key Learning • Co-location must be supported by active service integration • Libraries provide a trusted and accessible front door • Governance and partnership clarity are critical