Scottish Book Trust Publish New Report on the Impact of Libraries
Category: #LibrariesAreEssential, Blog, Case Studies, News
Recently, alongside Scottish Book Trust, The National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Library and Information Council, CILIPS asked our members to contribute to a series of surveys. These included public libraries’ value and impact across Scotland, primary school libraries’ value and impact across Scotland and secondary school libraries’ value and impact across Scotland.
We are pleased to share that the first report authored by researcher Éadaoín Lynch and presented by Scottish Book Trust, has been published under the title of, ‘The value and impact of Scotland’s libraries Preliminary findings from public librarian surveys.’ The next report will look at the picture and challenges faced by School Libraries in Scotland, this is set to be published this summer, with the final report expected to be published at the end of the year.
The research is intended to show how public and school libraries are addressing inequalities, including digital inclusion, supporting further learning and reading for wellbeing in the face of rising pressures from service reductions and losses. The report explores and highlights the breadth and depth of services offered, and how these create practical and tangible differences for learners and communities.
Director of CILIPS, Sean McNamara told James McEnaney from The Herald:
“We welcome this report from the Scottish Book Trust and are pleased to note that it highlights the vital impact of libraries on communities by helping close the poverty attainment gap, reducing the digital divide, providing essential free access to books and resources and being safe, trusted and accessible spaces.
“However, it makes stark and deeply concerning reading about the impact of over a decade of cuts within local government resulting in fewer resources and staff, and with worries about more on the cards.
“Our life-changing libraries and public services desperately need additional financial support and a funding model that allows their staff to look forward and plan with greater reassurance and positivity.”
Marc Lambert, Chief Executive of Scottish Book Trust, said:
‘Libraries are a vital lifeline for communities across Scotland. Not only do they provide free access to books in a warm and safe environment, but, as this wide-ranging report reveals, they are also a levelling up factory that sends people in a positive direction.
‘There is no other public space where people can access information, combat digital poverty, learn new skills, socialise with others, express themselves creatively, and seek to self-improve, entirely for free. It’s incredibly concerning that these important institutions are endangered.’
If you would like to contribute as a library user, you can participate in Scottish Book Trust’s Public Library Users survey, please click here. This survey will remain open until the end of June 2024!