Three in four Scots believe their local library is essential

MORE than three-quarters of Scots believe that public libraries remain either very important or essential to their communities, despite the growth of digital media making information more readily available 24 hours a day.

A survey, carried out by Ipsos Mori for the Carnegie UK Trust, showed that 61 per cent of people in Scotland had used a library at least once in the past year, which was higher than any other part of the UK.

More than half of those – 56 per cent – said they used one at least once a month, and 76 per cent of more than 1,000 people polled north of the Border said libraries were either “essential” or important.

The statistics form part of A New Chapter – Public library services in the 21st century, the first report of its type on public attitudes towards libraries across the UK and Republic of Ireland, which is due to be published today. The report concludes that the public library service is at a crossroads and change is needed in response to reduced levels of public spending, the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, and changes in people’s lifestyles and behaviour patterns.

Library facilities up and down the UK have come under extreme pressure, as local authorities seeking to cut costs have resorted to shutting them.

The trust argues that public library services and library buildings must be viewed separately.

Despite its investment in library buildings in the past, the Carnegie UK Trust believes that services must always develop and respond to the needs of communities in the present, providing a hub for social, educational and cultural services.

Trust chief executive Martyn Evans said: “It’s clear that people in Scotland still love their libraries, but library services need to develop ways of attracting visitors and providing a new range of relevant services, along with a rethink about how the buildings are used as community hubs.”

The report praised Scottish libraries for “pioneering new ways” of providing services, particularly the use of arm’s-length trusts, but said that the impact of this model had not yet been assessed. It also highlighted examples of good practice in Scotland, including Edinburgh City Council’s phone app, which shows library locations, events and bus links; South Ayrshire’s e-publishing initiative; and Orkney’s use of social media.

Welcoming the report, Inspector Rebus author Ian Rankin said: “Technology and changes in the way we live are impacting hugely on what communities want and need from libraries.

“It’s crucial the services they provide adapt and evolve, so that they remain as treasured in the future as they are now, providing a free yet invaluable service that underpins education, creativity and lifelong learning.”