The DCMS has published its survey of library usage, starting on page 22 in this LINK. The picture is one of continued decline. Whereas there are problems in making comparisons between different kinds of statistics, I am struck with the contrast with improving numbers in Brent's library usage.
Another common misapprehension is that libraries are disproportionately used by the poor. In fact the DCMS figures show that higher socio-economic groups are more likely to frequent public libraries.
UPDATE
The figures I am referring to are national figures, not Brent specific. I would imagine that the proportion of deprived people using Brent libraries has probably increased since the six Brent libraries are specifically sited with areas of deprivation in mind.
1 comment:
The only reason there is an increase in Brent is because of the longterm mismanagement of the Libraries in the borough. The only direction from the bottom is up.
It might also be that poorer groups are unable to travel to the Libraries now 6 have been closed in Brent. This also indicates a fail.
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