But a traditional library service remains the norm. They should consider how they can improve efficiency and renew valued services, paying particular attention to the potential contribution of new technologies.
Libraries are one of the most popular local government services.
Over half the population are library members, drawn from all social classes and all age groups. Even those who do not use libraries share users' esteem for the service. Total library expenditure, at 670 million a year, makes up less than 1 per cent of the expenditure on local authority services. The national framework for the library service gives substantial discretion to local authorities. Over the same period, one third of libraries that were open 45 or more hours a week have reduced their hours to below this level.