The case for funding: How libraries bring hope in a crisis
June 29, 2022
Lorensbergs
The cost-of-living crisis has been developing at a frightening rate of knots. Over recent months its effects have been felt across almost every part of society. As we all try to tighten our belts, it is of course those that are economically disadvantaged that are feeling it the most. Data poor or digitally low-skilled, they urgently need practical support and options to improve their circumstances. Visiting a local library to get online information, advice and services may be the only way that many will find ways to make ends meet.
Libraries have long been the place to go for equity of opportunity and never more so than now. While inflation soars above its highest point in 40 years, they provide computers, broadband and support to access the kind of info that helps budgets stretch that little bit further. The recent briefing note from Libraries Connected contains important statistics that highlight this situation:
The crisis means that library services are in greater demand. They are innovating to meet needs but require support and funding to continue to meet this challenge. Evidence and data on their effectiveness is plentiful. It’s something Lorensbergs has continued to provide throughout the pandemic. Our last round of survey results underlined the role libraries play helping jobseekers and those needing help to get online. Late last year while Covid variants were still deterring many from using public services, already a third of libraries were seeing greater numbers of jobseekers and almost a quarter were helping more people with limited digital skills. This month’s Libraries Connected report continues to make the case in support of libraries, and the services and resources they provide to all in need.
Of course the argument for libraries goes way beyond the help they provide to individual users. It’s also wider local economies that are massively benefiting from library operations. One stat on this stands out from Libraries Connected – 50% of libraries are seeing increased demand from small businesses for meeting space, Wi-Fi, printing and other essential business amenities. It mirrors findings from our own Libraries and High Streets research which explored how libraries act as economic engines, increasing employment levels, supporting businesses and building optimism for the future of our town centres.
It’s interesting to see the kind of help that the British Library and their library-based Business and IP Centre (BIPC) network are offering to business owners at this time. This week’s webinar on How to manage your finances in the cost of living crisis looks at how the economy will impact businesses and their profits this year. It explores what can be controlled to increase their resilience.
Up and down the UK, BIPC have expanded through the network of public libraries. The aim is for a total of 110 centres by 2023. This increase in resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs will undoubtedly encourage more start-ups and lead to greater growth.
Initiatives like these from libraries, together with a consistency in approach – always a warm welcome, always practical help offered – means public awareness and use is growing. But while we can rely on libraries to make a big difference in how communities manage through this crisis, they in turn need greater support. If they were to bear the brunt of addressing the local government budget hole (£1.7bn according to the Guardian), the critical safety net they provide will be compromised with repercussions for all who rely on them.
Libraries are working with their councils to become more joined up and receive more funding by following a Libraries First1 strategy in supporting their citizens. There’s lots of evidence of this in our last survey results which explore how libraries are developing more partnerships with other departments. It’s also something that Sue Wills, Assistant Director for Culture, Libraries and Registration at Surrey Libraries, spoke about during a recent Innovative Interfaces webinar. The escalating cost of living crisis adds further urgency to taking this approach.
Sue gave an overview of the information she uses and practical steps she takes to engage other council leaders when new services are being commissioned. Surrey Libraries have been very successful in securing council funding and Sue provides great advice. It involves positioning the library effectively, ensuring its reach and further potential is properly understood, and promoting all that it achieves.
When you look at how much of councils’ service delivery depends on a digital by default strategy, it’s no wonder libraries are being valued and utilised for their People’s Network infrastructure and the digital skills they develop. Add to that the current economic crisis and the argument for greater library support rings ever stronger.
While we can rely on libraries to make a big difference in how communities manage through this crisis, we can never take their existence and their services for granted. Developing the digital offer in libraries is one of the key opportunities library leaders can pursue when seeking service investment from their councils. After all, with continued support and funding libraries are one of the brightest sources of hope our communities have.
[1] Libraries Deliver 206-2021, DCMS https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/libraries-deliver-ambition-for-public-libraries-in-england-2016-to-2021
