Resources

Evaluation report on the pilot component of the Ebook lending in public libraries project.

Research report into ebook lending in public libraries, using demographic mapping, surveys and interviews. Part of the Ebook lending in public libraries project.

This summary report presents the key findings of a major project aimed at increasing the affordability and availability of ebooks in public libraries.

This guidance sets out the statutory basis for delivering library services and outlines the process local authorities must follow before closing libraries, reducing opening hours or making other major changes.

Creating Safer Libraries, originally published in October 2023, offers clear, concise guidance on preventing, managing, and responding to disruptive and anti-social behaviour in public libraries. The 2024 updates include information about external communications and social media as well as additional links to guidance and useful organisations.

This webinar run in partnership with ASCEL explores how public libraries are supporting our youngest children to become creative citizens. We hear from libraries and their partners who are forging ahead with innovative programmes focusing on play and cultural activity. There is an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and share their own ideas and good practice. Speakers include Evie Keough from Boromi, colleagues from Leicestershire libraries and the Playground programme from Kent Libraries.

This short guide is full of ideas and inspiration to strengthen local advocacy efforts and help libraries raise their profile. The advice comes from extensive conversations with experienced heads of service as well as experts from other areas of local government and the wider public sector.

The report highlights the crucial role of UK public libraries in supporting the creative industries by brokering local cultural partnerships, supporting artists and creative businesses, and providing free access to industry-standard software and technology.

This toolkit has been designed to help you judge to what extent you are meeting the Family Arts Standards and help you think about how you can further improve your offer for families

This list highlights some of the wide range of activities for adults which showcase digital activities that are popular and working well.

Libraries Connected Strategic Plan 2023 - 2027

This webinar was led by representatives from OverDrive, who demonstrated how to direct readers to the Libby app, how to use the service and where to go for support and more training. This webinar was aimed at frontline staff and any library staff that may not feel confident accessing eResources or signposting library users to the Libby app.

Libraries Connected is working in partnership with Dr Nicola Currie, who is exploring the relationship between reading and wellbeing. The project has interviewed children, young people, adults and older adults from around the UK discussing the role that reading fiction plays in their lives, with a particular focus on how reading supports their wellbeing. 

This is the first in a series of webinars and explored the outcomes of this research on children's reading and wellbeing.

This guidance note sets out best practice and advice in using self-service technology to extend opening hours.

This research report, supported by Arts Council England and produced by academics at the University of East Anglia provides a methodological framework for estimating the value of public libraries.

This briefing note presents the findings of a snapshot survey of 45 library services across England. It reveals for the first time the vast range of support libraries are offering to Ukrainian refugees, and their crucial role in the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

This toolkit is to support library services to make the most of the national events that take place – whether these be annual events, sporting events, awareness days and weeks or national celebrations.

This scheme is the output of the accreditation project coordinated by Libraries Connected and funded by Arts Council England.