Libraries in a digital age

Tower Hamlet council’s idea store
in Chrisp Street which opened in
July 2004.

Free broadband internet, modern language lessons, hospital appointments and college applications are just some of the things libraries now offer.

With the march of modern technology and children brought up on a diet of online learning, the traditional library is undergoing something of a makeover.

Book lending is still a defining part of a library’s role, but it is joined by many other services.

In recognition of this, the government launched a modernisation review in October, and the LGA was asked to represent councils on the board, alongside the Museum, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).

The six-month review is looking at issues including how councils can make sure libraries are offering what the public wants and needs in the future; how to make sure library staff have the skills to offer a modern service; and whether libraries should be silent places for reading or social places for people to meet and talk.

Roy Clare, MLA chief executive, said: “In 1851, the original aim of public libraries was to make information available and help people to learn. That’s still the same, but the media through which people gain information is now much more diverse.

"As well as ensuring a diverse information provision, Mr Clare says libraries need to tackle their infrastructure, and ensure they have a clear vision of what they want to achieve.

"The best public libraries are those which integrate with other public services, and respond to a community’s needs, but there’s no template. We know that health and library services work well together, but other councils offer other effective combinations, such as one stop shop council services in Truro, and further education services in Manchester’s libraries.

"Every area will and should be different, tailored to the population’s needs."

Tower Hamlets council opened the first of its four ‘idea stores’ in 2002, following its largest public consultation exercise. The council invested £20m in the idea stores, plus funding from sources like the Big Lottery Fund and European Regional Development Fund.

The stores are in busy shopping areas and bring together libraries with classrooms, dance studios, complementary therapy suits, creches and cafes.

Since the flagship Bow branch opened, the borough’s user numbers have tripled to more than two million every year, and the stores have won a series of awards.

Online access

Derbyshire county council has spent more than £1m refurbishing its libraries to install a computerised system offering public online access to books, CDs and DVDs 24 hours a day – use of which has trebled to 3,200 hits a month – and piloted a scheme which allows users to book hospital appointments online.

Libraries hit the headlines recently when Wirral council approved the closure of 11 libraries as part of a review to tackle budgetary pressures amid the economic downturn.

It prompted protests from the community, but the council’s research showed many buildings were in poor condition.

Mr Clare said: "The closure of individual buildings is not in itself a bad thing, people have to realise that many of the Victorian buildings are no longer fit for purpose.

"But closing without an underpinning vision will lead to incoherence.

"The economic downturn has actually boosted user numbers, with many people researching how to gain new skills. Cumbria councils reported a 40% rise in membership in the last quarter, and Devon county council saw a 20% rise in new borrowers since last April.

"While user patterns are shifting, there is no evidence that people are not using, and do not value, their libraries," added Mr Clare.

The review’s report is due this spring, after which ministers will hold a consultation on the recommendations.