How good is our public library service operates using a six point scale.

Awarding levels requires considerable professional knowledge both on the part of the library service itself as they create the Self-Evaluation Report and on the part of the Peer Assessors during their visit. The starting point for allocating levels should always be positive, using a combination of the evidence.  There should be sound arguments to support the level, backed up with evidence.

number 6

Excellent
  • Clearly excellent and of the highest of standards. 
  • Very best practice worth disseminating widely beyond the service.
  • Users' experiences and achievements are of a very high quality.
  • Outstanding delivery of core functions and range of enhanced services.

number 5

Very Good
  • Major strengths.
  • A high standard of provision, examples of good practice to share.
  • Any weaknesses do not impact on users' experience.
  • Services will take opportunities to improve and strive to raise performance to excellent.

Number 4

Good
  • Important strengths that have a positive impact.
  • Few weakenesses that do not have a substantial adverse effect.
  • Some examples of good practice.
  • Services seeking to raise performance further, and addressing areas of improvement.

Number 3

Satisfactory
  • Provision where strengths just outweigh weaknesses.
  • Individuals have access to core service provision.
  • Strengths have a positive impact on individuals' experiences, while weakenesses have some adverse affects on user experienes.
  • Services will seek to address areas of improvement while building on strengths.

number 2

Weak
  • Weaknesses have a negative imapct on the quality of individuals' experiences.
  • Such weaknesses diminish individuals' experiences in significant ways.
  • The service will need to take structured and planned action to address weakenesses.

number 1

Unsatisfactory
  • Major weaknesses in provision.
  • These weaknesses will require immediate remedial action.
  • Individuals' experience is at risk in significant aspects.
  • Improvement requires strategic action and support from senior managers. 
  • Remedial action may involve work alongside other staff and agencies.