Carnegie UK Trust sets out five-point plan to boost public libraries
A report published today provides both cause for concern and reason for hope for the UK’s pressured public library service. Scotland has the highest level of public library use in the UK, according to the new research, with half of the 1,000 Scots surveyed saying they had visited a library within the past year.
The ‘Shining a Light’ report is the result of a unique five-year study by the Carnegie UK Trust and IPSOS Mori into public library use in the UK and Ireland. The report is the only one of its kind enabling data on changing use and attitudes towards library services to be compared across the individual jurisdictions of the UK and Ireland. Around 10,000 face-to-face and telephone interviews were involved in total across 2011 and 2016.
The research reveals that on the whole, library user numbers have held up remarkably well since 2011, with around one in two people in the UK continuing to visit their local library. This is despite more than 300 library closures and 8,000 job losses in recent years.
The study also reveals that:
• The highest levels of library use is in Scotland and Ireland with the lowest in Northern Ireland
• Young people (15-24 years) tend to be the most likely to use a library
• Older people (over 55) are the least likely to use a library
• In England, many more people who read books infrequently are now using libraries than previously
• In Scotland and Northern Ireland more primary school children are now using libraries
• In Wales and Ireland the number of pre-school children using libraries is on the rise.
• The majority of people say that providing better information on the services that libraries offer would encourage more use
• Around ¾ of people say libraries are important to their community
• The gap in use between the top and bottom nation has closed dramatically in five years from 21 percentage points to 7
However, the data also highlights some worrying trends. In particular, there has been a significant drop in how often people visit the library. Previously, at least half of library users in all four UK nations visited the library at least once a month. Today, the majority of people who use the library do so less frequently.
In response, the Carnegie UK Trust has issued a five-point plan to boost the fortunes of public libraries. The Trust is calling for:
• Libraries to make better use of data to understand what people want and to provide better online library services;
• More personalised library services, recognising people’s increasingly diverse interests;
• More focus on demonstrating how libraries help to deliver key government policy outcomes;
• Innovation and leadership training for library staff; and
• Better sharing of ideas and successful projects between libraries.
The Carnegie UK Trust and its founder Andrew Carnegie built over 600 libraries in the UK and Ireland in the first part of 20th century.
Martyn Evans, Chief Executive of Carnegie UK Trust, said: “Public libraries remain an immensely popular civic resource across the UK and Ireland. However, we know that the future success of public libraries depends on how effectively they respond to the changing needs of their communities.
“If libraries strengthened their use of data they could better understand who in the local community is using the library, the services they are making use of and what people would like to see more of, which would enable them to keep their offering fresh and relevant.
“All libraries and library authorities can learn a great deal from the best libraries. There are many libraries carrying out engaging, innovative work that greatly enhances their local community. We need a step change in how best practice and learning can be shared.
“The reasons why some libraries succeed are varied but include: new buildings, co-location with other services, additional services, good book stock availability, accessibility, open spaces and much more.
“The key lesson is that libraries must be more confident, have better evidence and replicate best practice. This will create the confidence of funders to invest staff and money to ensure libraries prosper. Everything we have learned is that such investment can reap enormous positive rewards.
“There is not room for any complacency and it is critical that all public libraries redouble their efforts to demonstrate their value and make a compelling case for increasingly scarce resources.”
Neil MacInnes, President of the Society of Chief Librarians said: “The Carnegie UK Trust’s unique report is the only report that enables us to look across the UK and Ireland at how public libraries are used and what people think about them. It depicts the state of play, challenges and the opportunities ahead for public libraries across the UK and Ireland.
“It is clear from the research that public libraries have an enduring place in people’s hearts and that they are highly valued services. We need to ensure that libraries continue to prosper and deliver against key policy goals and wellbeing. The Trust’s recommendations set out a way in which we can all work towards a thriving future public library service.”
Pamela Tulloch, CEO at Scottish Library and Information Council said: “The Carnegie UK Trust’s “Shining a Light” report is the only comprehensive longitudinal research into the use of public libraries across the UK and Ireland. It reflects on use of public libraries from 2011 to 2016, a period in time which has seen great change within the public sector and public library community. This research reinforces the view that public libraries remain the most popular service which local government provides. The level of engagement from the public remains strong despite the challenges which libraries face.
“Particularly encouraging is the increased use of public libraries by children and families, ensuring that all children have equal access to reading materials at crucial learning stages. Public Libraries have targeted programmes for children and families not only to support a love of reading but also to encourage confidence in the digital age.
“The recommendations which the Carnegie UK Trust have highlighted outline a future for the public library service across the UK and Ireland which will ensure it continues to provide that trusted community space supported by a knowledgeable workforce.”
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