UK library stats: visits up, book lending down

While visits to public libraries increased by over three million last year, statistics released today show that the number of active borrowers and the number of books issued continue to fall.

Figures from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy showed that in 2004/05, visits to public libraries rose for the third year running, with the number of visits up by a total of 17m since 2001/02. However, the fact that the number of books borrowed is on the decline appears to suggest that visitors are using their local libraries for research or for multimedia facilities rather than for their traditional purpose of book lending. Commenting on the findings, John Dolan, head of library policy at the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), said: "These figures are a welcome spotlight on library performance and their timely release means that public libraries services can start the year knowing that more people are visiting and also with a clear set of goals for the future.

Guardian Latest statistics show mixed fortunes for libraries January 4, 2006

There is also a report in the January 2006 Guardian Public magazine, but I don't think it will be online for a couple months: Dusting off the cobwebs

Mark Wood and Chris Batt know that their museums, libraries and archives must change in line with technology and taste. Sophie Elmhirst finds them hungry for the brave new world

Libraries have been the source of some unlikely controversy in recent months. The news that these venerable public institutions have let their book stocks dwindle and buildings suffer, and that book lending is diminishing, has caused upset. A report published in March 2005 by the Commons' committee on culture, media and sport found 50% of library services to be "persistently below standard". It can't have been pretty reading for Mark Wood and Chris Batt, chair and chief executive of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).

First report via self-confessed "library geek" Nora Young on this morning's CBC Radio Two
Music and Company.  She had high praise actually for online library technology.

Nora Young also podcasts with Cathi Bond at thesniffer (via odeo.com, after a couple of clicks).