A REVIEW setting out the next five years of a library service's future has been published.

The report, covering Middlesbrough's libraries, is one of the first in a round of Best Value reviews being conducted by the local authority.

It predicts that libraries will play a major role in Middlesbrough Borough Council's new public/private partnership with Hyder Business Services.

Among the partnership's aims will be improving service delivery through the extensive use of technology, some of which will be based in libraries.

The libraries' role as focal points for communities is also recognised in the report.

Councillor Chris Robson, Middlesbrough's commissioner for culture and sport, said: "People will be able to do more of their council business at the library instead of making a special trip into town."

To achieve its aims, the review recommends that more money be made available and collections made more accessible.