Tender for Rural Impact of Library changes

Tender description

Public library services are highly valued by the communities they serve. However, like other public sector services, public libraries are facing significant financial challenges and changes to the services they provide and the way they provide them. Many library authorities are testing new approaches and working with communities in order to build sustainable library services for the future. The aim of this project is to help local communities and authorities to better understand the issues, challenges and opportunities for rural areas arising from changes to library services and what can be done to deliver a comprehensive, efficient and sustainable library service in rural areas that meets local need. Objectives The objectives of this research project are to understand, add to existing knowledge, and provide learning points on: the issues, challenges and opportunities for rural areas arising from changes to library services good practice and shared learning on how to shape library services in rural areas to meet local need the possible future role of statutory and non-statutory libraries in rural areas in the light of the Envisioning the library of the future research project undertaken by the Arts Council in 2012/13