| “More than 5,000 forms were returned, which is extremely encouraging as it shows that those who use our libraries are taking an active interest in the services provided” said Mrs Ryan.
“All the results have now been analysed and a number of interesting trends have emerged, some of which clearly reflect changes in society and technological advances.
“For example, there is a clear desire to move to DVD provision and planning for this transition is already in hand.”
The survey revealed negligible demand for Sunday opening but results suggest tht additional evening opening would prove popular in many areas and achieve greater uptake than morning opening.
“We are now reviewing opening hours with a view to facilitating extra evening opening and achieving standardised opening times across our flagship libraries.”
Mrs Ryan has indicated that the SELB will try to balance the needs of all users in revising opening hours but also noted that three times as many of those who completed the survey believed books rather than opening hours was the most important issue.
More than three-quarters of respondents indicated that the choice of books available in their library was good or very good, though the satisfaction level was understandably lower in smaller libraries with less stock. Many comments centred around a desire to see more new books bought.
In recent years, many members of the public have visited libraries in order to access computers and the internet and only seven percent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with any aspect of this service. The dissatisfaction tended to be concentrated in small libraries with few terminals.
Although mobile libraries can only carry a much more limited range of stock than static libraries, some two thirds of respondents still found the range of books available from this source satisfactory or better.
A third of respondents reported travelling over two miles to the library while adults between the age of 25 and 65 made up more than half of the library-using population.
The communities of several smaller libraries produced particularly high response rates while strong support was expressed for the retention of village libraries by those who use them.
Chairperson of the Library Committee, Peter Aiken commented: “It is clear from this survey that the provision of buildings alone is not of interest to users unless the stock is adequate and varied.
“The balance of spending must ensure that this expressed need is met if the library service is to remain relevant and attractive to our membership.”
|
