A new outlook

Abstract

Reports results of a questionnaire survey of UK public library services, undertaken at the end of 1999 by the Library and Information Statistics Unit (LISU), Loughborough University, to benchmark UK practice against international good practice and the recognized standards set out in the Library Association National Guidelines. The study was conducted against the background of the statutory duty of UK public library services to provide for blind and partially sighted users under the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act. The full objectives of the survey were: to build on and extend the findings of the 1997 Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) Survey of public library authorities; to assess progress in UK authorities since the 1997 Survey; to assess developments in the new unitary authorities; to monitor the progress of public library services against the Library Association’s Guidelines; and to place particular emphasis upon measuring service to users and the integration of public library services with those of other agencies. Data were gathered from 141 UK public library authorities (67.79% response rate). Presents a number of recommendations, highlighting the actions required to ensure greater equity of provision and to bring UK services up to a common high standard in this area, covering: policy statements; budgetary provision; staffing; partnerships; service evaluation; materials provision; equipment; provision and access; and promotion.