The chairman and first board members have been appointed to the new organisation that is set to take over the management of all of Suffolk's 44 libraries in April.

Following public consultation, Suffolk County Council decided last month to establish an Industrial and Provident Society (IPS) to manage libraries and to involve local groups in running their own branches.

Chairman Clive Fox and board members Mike Hosking and Shona Bendix are the first of eight people appointed to the new body.

Mr Fox currently chairs the community group taking on the running and development of Aldeburgh library and, since 1993, has held director-level positions for Groundwork – a national charity working with government, councils and businesses to help communities to renew environments and improve employment prospects.

Until recently, Mr Hosking was director of libraries, learning and culture at Cambridgeshire County Council, was a founding member of the national sector skills council for learning and libraries and is a trustee of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

Ms Bendix has been the Suffolk Association of Local Councils' chief executive for six years, supporting town and parish councils across Suffolk with training and advice.

The council is inviting nominations from community library groups to fill four interim board positions.The other positions will be filled by a staff representative and a county council appointed observer.