The Vital Link Improvement Framework

The Vital Link programme has been endorsed by the Society of Chief Librarians and forms part of the Books, Reading and Learning strand of the Government's Framework for the Future Action Plan for public libraries being implemented by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).

Vital Link improvement framework

The Improvement Framework grid sets out the required management commitment for The Vital Link improvement programme, together with a three-tier framework for service development around four themes: accessibility, learner support, stock provision and reader development activity. The Vital Link is providing online tools, guidance and case studies to support this improvement programme, focused particularly on partnership building with the Skills for Life sector and on reader development activity.

The Vital Link aims to achieve a set of outcomes for the target audience which in turn link to the impact measures being developed for the public library service. These are that, through libraries, adult learners develop:

• more enjoyment of reading
• more confidence
• increased skills and employability
• more involvement in their community
• an improved quality of life
• increased well-being
• increased motivation and inspiration

These support the outcomes in the Shared Priorities and the Society of Chief Librarians' reading vision and aims.