UK Organization Publishes Research Into Public Library of the Future

The research comes from the Arts Council of England and is found in a report titled, The Library of the Future.
From an Arts Council Summary:

This research has found that public libraries are trusted spaces, open to all, in which people continue to explore and share the joys of reading, information, knowledge and culture. It is clear that people value the services that libraries provide and will continue to do so. Indeed, there is a clear message that there is a compelling and continuing need for a publicly funded library service.
The research also reminds us that public libraries face many challenges in the coming years, including: advances in technology, which affect the ways in which people want to connect to information and culture; reduced public expenditure; the increasing involvement of citizens in the design and delivery of public services; and the needs of an ageing population.
Envisioning the library of the future and the work that comes from it will help us and our partners in the library sector to set out the value, role and purpose of public libraries with more clarity, pointing out ways they can respond to change in order to remain at the heart of their communities. This will provide the focus for our work in the future.
The research began in January 2012, and comprised three phases during which researchers spoke with more than 800 people. The research included an online survey which had over 1,400 responses, and 10,000 people viewed the online conversation. Read more on the research methodology.

Four priority areas

In order to foster a successful, sustainable library service in light of these challenges, the Arts Council has set out four priority areas for development which have been tested and corroborated by stakeholders:

1. place the library as the hub of the community
2. make the most of digital technology and creative media
3. ensure that libraries are resilient and sustainable
4. deliver the right skills for those who work in libraries

Read the Entire Summary
Read the Arts Council Response to Research Report (12 pages; PDF)
See Also: Report Methodology
See Also: News Release
See Also: Reaction to Research From Publishers Association

Envisioning the library of the future research documents

Phases 1 and 2:
Envisioning the library of the future Phase 1: a review of innovations in library servicesby Ipsos MORI and Shared Intelligence
Envisioning the library of the future Phase 1: Future trends review by Ipsos MORI
Envisioning the library of the future Phase 1: Delphi enquiry by Ipsos MORI and Shared Intelligence
Envisioning the library of the future Phases 1 and 2: full report by Ipsos MORI and Shared Intelligence
Phase 3:
Envisioning the library of the future Phase 3: understanding what people value about libraries by Dialogue by Design and Involve
Envisioning the library of the future Phase 3: online survey by Dialogue by Design
Envisioning the library of the future Phase 3: understanding what young people value about libraries by Dialogue by Design and Office for Public Management

Coverage

ACE: Libraries should be ‘hub’ of communities (via The Bookseller)

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