Laura Sharman 11 December 2014

Survey shows extent of pressure on library services

The number of libraries, visitors and books borrowed has continued to decline in the past year, according to new figures.

The annual library survey, conducted by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA), shows that 49 libraries closed year, representing a drop of 1.2%.

The number of library visitors also fell by 2%, from 288 million in 2012-13 to 282 million in 2013-14. In the same time period, the number of active library borrowers dropped by 4.2%, and the number of books borrowed fell by 6%.

CIPFA’s chief executive, Rob Whiteman, said: ‘The landscape for local libraries in the UK is changing rapidly. While local authorities are continuing to seek new ways to make sure libraries can continue to act as a vital part of our communities, the statistics show that there is significant pressure on library services across pretty much every area of the UK.’

However, the survey did reveal that the number of volunteers working in a library has increased by 5.9% to 35,813 people. In 2009, this figure stood at 17,550.

‘Despite the decline of libraries, borrowers and books, the growth in volunteers show that many local councils are committed to ensuring that their libraries explore new ways of keeping the doors open and engaging with their communities,’ Whiteman added.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Triage Officer

Essex County Council
£26485.00 - £31158.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Senior Triage OfficerPermanent, Full Time£26,485 to £31,158 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Triage Officer

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £26962.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Triage OfficerPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £26,962 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Practitioner - Clacton Family Centre

Essex County Council
Up to £0.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Clacton Family CentrePermanent, Part TimeLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Children and Families Hub, Colchester

Essex County Council
Up to £0.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Children and Families Hub, ColchesterPermanent, Part Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annum (Full Time Equivalent)Actual Salary (22.2 hours England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Independent Reviewing Officer

North Yorkshire Council
From £45,718 up to £49,764 per annum pro rata + relocation support
The service is county wide and therefore candidates will be expected to work across other locality areas as needed to meet service demand. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner