Future Libraries is a two-part initiative from CILIP to challenge and engage librarians and library leaders to reimagine libraries in a world of rapidly evolving living and working patterns.

Part 1 is 'Come Rain or Shine: Preparing public libraries for the future in an age of uncertainty' that envisions the challenges and demands that public libraries will face from now until 2040.

It provides strategic analysis of potential future scenarios and how those could impact libraries.

Librarians and sector leaders from Arts Council England, the British Library, GLL, Hampshire County Council, Lancashire County Council, NESTA, Suffolk Libraries, Surrey County Council, and Warwickshire County Council provided insight and input for the report.

Staff at Camden Libraries and Southwark Libraries tested the toolkit and helped to add improvements.

Part 2 is the Future Libraries toolkit that provides a practical guide and framework to help libraries strategically analyse possible future uses of their spaces.

The toolkit is designed in line with the outcomes of the report and comprises a practical activity set that you can undertake in your own library for its own unique context.

The Toolkit is made up of an instruction document, templates to complete for your own staff and library, and a presentation that gives all the detail needed to undertake your own horizon scanning activities.

Download the toolkit and report (free)

Using the report and toolkit, libraries will be equipped to assess their specific community contexts and prepare effective strategies for resilient service provision in the future, whatever the weather.

Speaking on the project, Jo Cornish, interim CEO, CILIP said:

“Public libraries are a vital source of trusted information for health, learning, culture, technology and life’s key milestones. They are free to enter, a space where everyone is welcome, and connections can be made. They provide a sanctuary, and trusted information to help people navigate their lives. Librarians have just been announced as the 3rd most trusted profession in the UK to tell the truth and give accurate information. This report and toolkit will equip public libraries to navigate the unknown with strategic foresight, safeguarding their pivotal role for future generations.”

After participating in the Future Libraries activities, Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England said:

“Libraries have long been adaptive and responsive to community needs and demands but this has often been reactive making it difficult to demonstrate impact and value over time. It was fascinating to be involved in these workshops and I hope that this research and the associated toolkit will become a critical tool in reshaping the way library services plan for the future. As the sector development agency for libraries, I’m really pleased that the Arts Council has supported this project and I’d like to thank CILIP and Shared Intelligence for creating such a transformative piece of work.”

Futures Literacy

The report and toolkit are both underpinned by futures literacy, a framework that allows people to better understand the role that the future plays in what they see and do.

Futures Literacy is based on the premises that the future does not yet exist and can only be imagined, and that humans have the ability to imagine.

Read more about Futures Literacy for Libraries

When CILIP commissioned the Future Libraries project, it was to address a central question:

What kind of public library network will England need to support its social, economic, and industrial development over the remainder of this century?

While the future is unknown, we can all take steps to ensure we are as well prepared as possible. The public library sector might not be able to predict what will happen next, but it can build resilience and equip services to ensure they are adaptable and able to meet the needs of a changing landscape, while avoiding potential pitfalls.

As times change, so must our libraries. Come Rain or Shine and the Future Library toolkit share insights into how libraries can embrace change and continue to be integral agents in shaping and improving society.

Future Libraries was commissioned by CILIP and created by Shared Intelligence with funding from Arts Council England.