Best value – the impact on libraries: practical steps in demonstrating best value

Describes the new concept to defining value for money and quality of service delivery in UK local government. Public library services in a number of selected local authority areas are involved in pilot projects. Demonstrates the principles and practicalities of the best value process including the four Cs. These are: challenge, is the service needed at all?; compare, involving analysis, comparison and benchmarking; consult, which requires authorities to seek dialogue with the public it serves; compete, which looks for parnerships and private sector involvement.