Libri’s new report – From University to Village Hall - is published today July 18th 2005. The report tracks developments in the world of public libraries over the past year since our first report Who's in Charge? was published.

Regrettably we cannot report on any major improvements to the dire situation we reported on last time: book issues continue to decline; costs continue to escalate; value for money is eroding fast. Even the bright spot of a 4% increase in library visitors has failed to stem the decline in book issues. Use of The People’s Network seems to be almost entirely for email and internet (web surfing and searching, downloading music and mobile phone ringtones, online games, plus internet banking, online shopping and flight booking). Web-based chat interaction was also a common use among young people until banned by most library services for safety/security reasons.

In addition we have identified a significant trend for senior librarians and library policy makers - the DCMS and the MLA, among others – (wrongly) to no longer see providing books as a prime responsibility. This became clear during the recent evidence hearings of the Select Committee where witness after witness explained that there were new social roles for libraries to fulfil, only some of which have to do with books. We see this as an excuse for the failure of public libraries to deliver what the public wants. Further, we believe that the public library will fulfil all its social roles if it does books properly: a good modern stock for reading and reference, available at times convenient to the public, and in premises which are welcoming, clean and decent.

You can download the new report from the download page – hard copies will not be available due to cost pressure.

The Libri website exists so that you can find relevant information to help you take part in an informed public debate. If there is any other statistical information you would like to have about your locality, write to info@libri-forums.org.uk
We said this last year “Public Libraries are on the verge of extinction. Action is needed NOW to halt their decline and renew their central role in community life.” Unfortunately, this continues to be true.