No abstract

In England, public sports facilities and libraries provided by local government are being transferred to management and delivery by volunteers. The catalyst for this development has been reductions in local government budgets. However, case studies explore if this asset transfer "offers a way of restoring the ideal of committed public service in the face of widespread bureaucratic failure and retreat", as a form of associative democracy and empowerment of both the volunteers and those for whom the services are provided.

This paper reports on research findings on the transfer of public library services to volunteer delivery in the UK between 2014 and 2016, as a result of austerity and budget cuts by local government.The research asked two key questions: are libraries sustainable after their transfer and what lessons can be learnt from these transfers that will ensure success and sustainability? Initial findings indicate that cases in different locations vary and that 'one size does not fit all'. key words library • volunteers • asset transfer • sustainability

Rationale/Purpose This paper shows how the transfer of public sport facilities to management led by volunteers has increased the responsiveness of services to local needs; while at the same time reducing running costs. It provides a contrast to previous research on transfer to large leisure trusts. Design/Methodology/approach Research contribution These small leisure trusts retain advantages of the large leisure trusts, established in the 1990's, but with further advantages derived from local production.

Rationale/Purpose This paper shows how the transfer of public sport facilities to management led by volunteers has increased the responsiveness of services to local needs; while at the same time reducing running costs. It provides a contrast to previous research on transfer to large leisure trusts. Design/Methodology/approach Research contribution These small leisure trusts retain advantages of the large leisure trusts, established in the 1990's, but with further advantages derived from local production.