When it comes to libraries, we top the readerboard
SCOTLAND has the highest level of public library use in the UK, researchers have found.
Rising numbers of families with primary school age children, occasional readers and those who are ‘just about managing financially’ are using the facilities.
Half of those questioned for a study had been to a library in the past year, meaning Scotland retains top spot in the UK despite having the sharpest drop of 11 percentage points since 2011.
The five-year study by the Carnegie UK Trust involved 1,000 participants. It found that more than three-quarters (77 per cent) of people said the facilities are important for their communities and 37 per cent said they are important for them personally.
Almost three-quarters (71 per cent) of families with children aged five to 11 visited libraries last year, up 3 per cent on 2011.
A total of 61 per cent of people in the second lowest socio-economic classification reported using a library at least once a month, while occasional readers – those who read a book every two or three months – rose around eight percentage points to just under 60 per cent in 2016.
The report also found the vast majority of those surveyed (82 per cent) are against replacing all library workers with paid staff, while 58 per cent favour the use of volunteers in conjunction with existing employees.
The most popular suggested improvements to libraries in Scotland are more events (55 per cent), better information on services (52 per cent) and a cafe or coffee shop (50 per cent).
The trust made several recommendations including that libraries make better use of data, provide more personalised services, share ideas and successful projects better and have innovation and leadership training for staff.
The trust’s chief executive Martyn Evans said: ‘It’s extremely promising that there’s been a rise in library use in Scotland among households with primary school age children, as well as an increase in frequent use among a key socio-economic group.
‘However, we know that the future success of public libraries depends on how effectively they respond to the changing needs of their communities.
‘Local authority budgets are under severe pressure. All of us who value libraries’ rich and varied contribution to our wellbeing must provide clear and compelling evidence of their impact if future investment is to be secured.
‘We also know that the public want libraries to do even more.’
Pamela Tulloch, chief executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council, said: ‘It is clear from the research that public libraries in Scotland have an enduring place in people’s hearts and that they are highly valued services.
‘We need to ensure 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.’