CILIP is looking to commission a collaborative research and development project focused on re-imagining England’s public library sector for the future and funded by Arts Council England. The aim is to develop an evidence-based map of how current and future demand for library services is changing and provide a robust basis on which to plan and advocate for future development.

The aim of the research is to move public library sector development on from ‘defending the old’ to ‘building the new’, and in the process to provide the evidence-based and support that library authorities need to become more dynamic, now and for the future.

We launch this future-facing programme as we celebrate 125 years of the CILIP Royal Charter and reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past as we look forward to the libraries of the next 125 years.

This short extract from Arts Council England’s Lets Create strategy epitomises why we believe that this project is essential:

As we move through the next decade, we expect to see changes in the tastes and habits of the public, alongside new technological opportunities, and ongoing pressure on public funding. To navigate these opportunities and risks successfully, cultural organisations will need to become more dynamic. This may involve organisations changing both their missions and their business models.

In addition, environmental factors such as the ongoing cost of living crisis and reduced Local Authority funding point to a significant pressure on the existing model of public library provision in England between 2023 and 2025.

Historically the sector has focused on defending the old – being the infrastructure and operational model of libraries established in the 1890’s. The core of this project is to undertake a collaborative research and development project to build the new. We will articulate an evidence-based vision of the future public library network that England will need to support its social, economic, digital and industrial development over the remainder of this century.

CILIP will then use this work to form the basis of an engagement programme, focussed on sector-led bodies and stakeholders at a national level to embed the finding of the Future Libraries project.

There will be an additional targeted programme which will support leaders in English public library authorities to make use of the data and mapping to press for ongoing support for their services.

For the key deliverables, KPIs and full detail on how to apply see the full tender document.

Contact matthew.dwyer@cilip.org.uk for more details

Indicative contract fee: £47,000 (VAT inclusive)

Timescale for delivery: June 2023 – Sep 2023

Deadline to apply: Wednesday 17 May 2023, 5pm