Why libraries?

There are ample reasons why libraries are an ideal place to reintroduce anyone who has lost their love of reading to books again. Libraries are also places where a tradition of learning has been built on, so that they have evolved into exciting places, where people can quite literally change and enrich their lives through reading and learning. If you haven’t been to your local library recently read on….why not visit your local library as well, just to see for yourself!

Londoner’s Need to Read 2004 David Brockhurst and Ian Dodds
www.almlondon.org.uk

This report found that libraries had a lot of experience in supporting adults with basic skills needs. Libraries had built on their tradition of supporting learning through books, resources and study space. The installation of wide-scale ICT into public libraries through the people’s network, and the training of library staff through the New Opportunities Fund, had led to further learning in libraries with adults learning through ‘drop in’ or ‘silver surfer’ sessions.
Tackling social exclusion, increasing access to services and the need to work in partnership with formal learning providers led to some of these developments.

The ‘Skills for Life Compact’ 2005-2008

This was designed to further the continuous improvement of skills for life support in London’s libraries. It was a flexible working tool involving ‘peer reviews’ to assess the level of achievement each borough had made towards its goals.

London’s public Libraries as community learning hubs

During the life of the compact a review of library services was carried out
‘London’s public Libraries as community learning hubs: A SKEIN pilot research report: A study of their role and potential’. October 2006, and a sister project; ‘London’s public Libraries as community learning hubs. A literature review’ by Ann Bridgewood.
Both studies can be found at:
http://www.lvstc.org.uk/skein/docs/LLDA_MLA_Pilot_Report_Final.pdf

The findings were:
Public libraries are places where formal and informal learning are offered on a regular basis across all London. Learning is offered to both children and adults and in many forms

• skills for life
• family learning
• information advice and guidance

The Skills for Life strategy in public libraries is directed by the Vital Link which is run by the Reading Agency in Partnership with the National Literacy Trust and the National Reading Campaign
http://www.bookstart.org.uk/
www.literacytrust.org.uk/vitallink

Family learning encourages family members to learn together as long as one is an adult and the other a child. The sessions are open to grandparents, aunts, uncles or carers. The main learner is the adult who is taught how to interact with the child. Often it is the first time they have ‘studied’ together as a family.

Bookstart is delivered in libraries as part of the Surestart initiative.
http://www.surestart.gov.uk/

The Summer Reading Challenge, based in public libraries offers incentives for children to read six books in six weeks. The aim is to engage children with books and libraries. It also helps to keep the child’s reading age stable over the summer holidays.
http://www.readingagency.org.uk/children/summer-reading-challenge/

Chatterbooks is the first nationally co-ordinated reading group scheme for children over seven years.
http://www.readingagency.org.uk/children/chatterbooks/

Information Advice and Guidance. Delivered in libraries by Nextstep since 2000 providing information on how to apply for jobs, compile a CV and on interview skills to adults aged 20 and over.
www.nextstep.org.uk

Regeneration, neighbourhood renewal and social exclusion: This is tackled in libraries because of their community focus and location. Libraries have access to free book collections and ICT access. With flexible opening hours in the evenings and at weekends they are accessible to all members of the community. Libraries are involved in many outreach projects and form partnerships within the community, offer support to schools, community projects and education partnerships.

E-government

All government and council departments are available electronically. Libraries provide free computer access for members and non-members who do not have access to computers and the Internet.
http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/e-government/

Access to the Internet

Easy access to libraries has led to the introduction of ICT through the People’s Network. New Opportunity Fund training for library staff has given many of them the confidence to deliver ICT to members of the public. Programmes have been set up to educate library users in the use of ICT including the People’s Network, Learndirect and UK Online centres
http://www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk/
http://www.learndirect.co.uk/
http://www.ukonlinecentres.com/consumer/

Framework for the Future (DCMS 2004) talks about the ‘four Ss’.

• spaces: Libraries offer safe, welcoming space and support for active citizenship
• stocks: As well as books, libraries house a wide range of audio-visual materials and People’s Network terminals
• services: Libraries operate as community centres of learning
• staff: libraries have a committed workforce

Various Homeless User Survey Results re: using public libraries

Studies used: Just a Little Understanding: A Social-Service Provider’s Perspective on Homeless Library Users by John Gehner and Kali Freeman
http://www.hhptf.org/?id=5

Various Studies for Homeless Link
http://www.homeless.org.uk/author/lindabriheimcrookall

Interviewees from the above surveys commented:

• Libraries have much to offer to non-traditional learners.
• Libraries are welcoming and easier to approach than formal learning institutions.
• They are safe places which people of all ages, social background and ethnic groups can visit.
• Long opening hours make them accessible to people in employment, the retired and economically inactive.
• No need for an Appointment. Libraries can be used when people wish.
• Opportunities to learn whilst people are onsite for other purposes ‘opportunistic Learning’
• Users can work at their own pace
• The library is free from the pressure to use drugs.
• It is a safe space/has security /free from drug dealers
• It is a place of learning, informal learning in an open space
• It is Free.

Some weaknesses were revealed and these must be acknowledged:

• The old-fashioned appearance of some libraries was felt to be a disadvantage
• Libraries are not good at reaching those most reluctant to use them
• Libraries are perceived as being poor at using data to track outcomes
• Established library users complain about noise generated by new users and new services such as computers