Laura Sharman 06 April 2020

Councils see 600% boom in digital library memberships

The number of people signing up to online library services has increased by 600% in some areas since the coronavirus lockdown.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said many councils are seeing a boom in the number of residents using digital library resources.

However, it said that many libraries are restricted in the number of e-books and audio books they can provide because of licensing limits with publishers.

It is calling for the Government and publishers to work together to unlock an additional £5m in investment to enable libraries to increase their capacity in loaning more e-books and audiobooks.

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: ‘Councils are doing everything they can to protect their residents’ wellbeing during this difficult time. Extra funding would help libraries extend their licences and meet this growing demand.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Business Support Apprentice

Essex County Council
Up to £10187 per annum
Business Support ApprenticeFixed Term, Full Time£10,187 per annum rising to £20,104 per annum on the second year Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Safeguarding and Support

Swindon Borough Council
£95,171 (spot salary)
Improving outcomes for our children and young people in Swindon... Swindon, Wiltshire
Recuriter: Swindon Borough Council

Principal Social Worker / Care Manager - Northampton Central, North and East

West Northamptonshire Council
£40316 - £43675
What will you be doing? As a champion of social work, you’ll lead by example, using your skills to encourage a culture of innovation, reflection and learning within the service, using practice evaluations and learning reviews to inform this work. The ex Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Data Officer - 18 month Fixed Term Contract

Essex County Council
£22361 - £24527 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Defined Benefit Pension
Data OfficerFixed Term - 18 months duration, Full Time - 37 Hours Per WeekUp to £24,527 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £22361 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part TimeUp to £22,361 per annum (FTE)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.