Decision details

26.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

DECISIONS

26.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

(1) note that the proposed phased approach to disposal seeks to ensure that as many items as possible are donated to museums, galleries, and schools to maximise their use for educational purposes;

(2)        note that following an assessment by the County Archivist, artwork of cultural or historical significance to East Sussex will be relocated to The Keep and available to residents to view; and

(3)        approve the disposal of stock from the Schools Library and Museum Service collection.

Reasons

26.3     The Schools Library and Museum Service (SLAMS) ceased in 2018 following a review of the service during the development of the Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy. However a range of new services were introduced as part of the Council’s Children and Young People offer including a library membership specifically for teachers and targeted librarian outreach to areas of need.  Following the closure of SLAMS there are over 1,200 items held at Ropemaker Park without the facilities to maintain the collection in the long term or provide access to the public.  Artwork of local significance will be moved to The Keep and a proposed phased disposal approach has been developed.  The phased approach prioritises the donation to museums, galleries, and schools to maximise use for educational purposes.