Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
circulation of printed textbooks in library collections, and online
availability had little impact upon publishers' sales. It is to be hoped
that, following this project, publishers will be keener to sell e-textbooks
to libraries.
The public library of the future
In a recent
Top Trends
blog on the future of public libraries, a long list of
key influences on public libraries was posted. This included: sus-
tainability; pricing (free versus user pays); trustworthiness of
information; the value that the local community puts on inform-
ation/knowledge; the pace of technological change; and
democratization of information (Web 2.0, etc) (Macmanus, 2009). It is
unlikely that anyone would disagree with this list. Public libraries
always seem to be in the news with negative articles on library closures,
reduced budgets, fewer staff and reduced spend on books. The pressure
on public libraries is a worldwide phenomenon. A librarian in the USA
contributed to the blog, writing: 'Unfortunately, the economic
situation, e.g. sustainability (in California, at least) is starting to really
rise to the top. In the short term, libraries will need to do more with less
money, fewer staff, reduced hours, while at the same time demand is at
an all time high' (Garza, 2009).
In the UK there have certainly been public library closures. Figures
from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy
(CIPFA) show that in 2005-6 there were 56 fewer central and branch
libraries and 58 fewer mobile libraries than in 2001-2. But such bald
figures hide the fact that urban and rural demographics change over the
years and many libraries have extended their opening hours to
accommodate evening and weekend activities and services. Moreover,
CIPFA figures for 2007 show that there were over 337 million visits to
over 4,700 public libraries, 315 million book issues, 64 million visits to
library websites and a budget of over £1 billion (Harrison, 2008).
However, it might be argued that public libraries do have an image
problem. In the UK the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sports
Select Committee agreed that 'a significant barrier to library use was
shabby buildings, whether inside or out' (House of Commons Culture,
Media and Sports Select Committee, 2005). There is no doubt that
attractive buildings that are pleasant to visit and work in can enhance the
