Background information on public libraries

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Some statistics for England

• There were 280 million visits to public libraries
• There were a further estimated 58 million visits to library web sites
• There are 79 million books in 3,500 public libraries
• 263 million book loans took place
• There were 26 million loans of audio/visual material (e.g. Talking books, CDs, DVDs)
• Library staff answered 42 million enquiries
• There are almost 33,000 People’s Network computer terminals providing access to the internet

(Source: CIPFA 2007-8 actuals)

Basic facts

• Public libraries are run by local councils in England, Wales and Scotland; in Northern Ireland there is a single library authority
• There are around 3,500 public libraries in England, risng to well over 4,000 across the whole of the UK

Local authorities deliver library services in many different ways

Mobile libraries There are about 700 in the UK – take services to remote areas, both rural and urban.

In some authorities they are of strategic importance. Mobiles are used to target services for example at schools (Hampshire) or children and parents (Words on Wheels in Birmingham). The annual 'Mobilemeet' brings together practitioners for information exchange and learning, everyone from mechanics to librarians.

Home delivery is widespread for – mostly older – people who are unable to go to the library. Some authorities are more adventurous and organise activity programmes; remote access to digital services is a boon to people who are housebound.

Prison library services are a statutory requirement for about 60 local authorities with prisons located within their boundaries. Reading, writing and other programmes contribute to rehabilitation of offenders while work with prisoners’ families help prepare for families to reunite after the inmate’s release.

Schools Library Services supplement the work and resources of the school library itself. These are now delegated and depend on schools opting to buy services. Many have downsized or closed in recent years as school budgets have been redirected.

Public library closures

Recent planned library closures have been controversial and subject to review (the review of Swindon Libraries funded by MLA is one of a few) and even Government intervention (Wirral: Report awaiting publication).

Sometimes closures are part of a strategic change or replacement programme and based on constructive community engagement (Manchester).

Several authorities have advertised for consultants to assist with a strategic review (Cambridgeshire, Bradford). They are prompted by a combination of budget pressures or other and strategic change drivers.

National success stories

• The BIG Lottery Community Libraries programme is funding 58 successful applicants with a fund of £80 million to provide community learning facilities. Big Lottery says: "We wanted to...invigorate libraries as centres of wider community learning and development and learning based activities".
  The first, Newbold Verdon Library in Leicestershire, opened in April 2009, following a £781,402 award to the County Council; the new library now has a computer suite, advice services and from next summer, a reading garden.

• Many authorities invest in their library buildings and services. Forthcoming major developments include the new library of Birmingham and Worcester Library and History Centre. There are many local developments including new libraries and library refurbishments. The Designing Libraries website shows many recent library developments, while some of the best are highlighted in the CILIP Public Libraries Group Building Awards. A recent highlight is the new City library at Newcastle.

There are almost 33,000 People’s Network computer terminals providing access to the internet.

Digital technology is a huge opportunity for library users:

• Information and references resources are increasingly available online. Some are now only available online, so ICT access is essential for today’s library.
• Libraries provide help with ICT supporting new users with initial 'bitesize' introductions or directing people to more structured courses and online help.
• Over 50 reference publications are now online for all library users in England. Because of the expense these would only have been available in major central libraries in the past. Now they are online at every library or remotely for all users anywhere.
• Enquire allows users to email a librarian 24 hours a day with questions in a live international collaboration.

• During the National Year of Reading, over 2 million people became members of their library during the year, way beyond the target for the promotion. The ongoing programme Reading for Life offers new resources and ideas to continue the campaign.

• Bookstart is the national programme that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early an age as possible. Bookstart is administered by the national independent charity Booktrust. Bookstart works closely with public libraries for the delivery of free children’s books and for the associated family and children’s activities in libraries.

Who uses libraries?

Recent research shows that:

• A high proportion of library users are those most in need of information and help with learning, training and getting a job. So libraries are a place for reaching people and delivering work-related services

• People are more likely to read and use libraries if adults do this with them in childhood

•  Large numbers of libraries are reporting increased use since the start of the recession. Obviously for free books but also for information and help with learning and work, free children’s activities, other cultural events, information services and help with ICT

• There is a high use of libraries among new migrant communities for help with English language, material in their home language and for information and help with citizenship procedures

Participation: 48.5% of adults in England visited a library at least once in the past 12 months. This covers a wide range of participation rates at the local level, ranging from as low as 37.6% in Stoke-on-Trent City Council to 58.5% in Harrow. The City of London reported a participation rate of 84.6%. (from MLA's Participation in Libraries and Museums at the Local Level: Summary findings Research Briefing, which brings together data and links to reports on participation and take up of libraries.)

A Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) research briefing Attracting library non-users - What have we learned so far? (MLA 2008) suggests that public libraries need to adapt their offer as well as communicate more effectively to attract non-users.

The offer must include:

Place - a welcoming ambience in refreshed library interiors
Product - improved stock with a focus on contemporary material
Price/value - an improved 'destination value' by libraries combining with other facilities
Promotion - better stock display and targeted audience development e.g. family learning.

Where the offer has been improved, investment must be made in communicating it effectively through targeted communications campaigns.

CILIP, October 2009.