Precedent set for HCC libraries

Hampshire County Council has appointed Precedent to rebrand its library services, in tandem with a transformation of the county’s sites.

The London consultancy beat two other groups to the five-figure project, which will involve the development of an integrated brand, communications and marketing strategy for the region’s libraries and new-concept Discovery Centres, designed by the council’s in-house architectural practice.

‘The Discovery centres will be tailored to local requirements, but we’re looking at delivering exhibitions and events, a greater degree of information technology, cafés, meeting rooms and areas to relax and read. The idea is to encourage people to stay longer and to visit more often,’ explains recreation and heritage marketing manager for HCC David Coulthard.

The branding work will launch this autumn, with the first Discovery Centre opening in Gosport next spring. Hampshire County Council hopes to convert ten of its 54 libraries to the Discovery Centre concept ‘over time’, says Coulthard.