Public libraries for the modern world

SCL’s Digital Universal OfferAyub Khan MBE

October 2017

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The changing library

Ongoing project

“The library as an institution is

never fully finished. It will

always blend and adapt - to

continue to meet the needs of

its users.”

Reference to S R Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science

User expectationswhat today’s customers need, want and expect

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• comfortable and safe library spaces

• conveniently located

• helpful, approachable, knowledgeable staff

• opening hours to suit modern lifestyles

• information about - and access to - other local services

• free computers, wifi and charging points

• help to access online information and services

• events and activities for all ages and interests

• user-friendly loans, reservations and renewals

• a good selection of books and e-books

• 24/7 access to online library services and loans

Technologyand the pace of change

• growth and development of online library services

• fully computerised library management systems

• self service terminals for loans, renewals and returns

• free wifi and charging points

• computer coding clubs for children - and adults

• library makerspaces or ‘fab labs’

Into the unknown"We are currently preparing

students for jobs that don't

exist yet, using technologies

that haven't been invented, in

order to solve problems we

don't even know are problems

yet."

shifthappens.wikispaces.com

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What do we mean by ‘digital’?

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The Digital Offer

• Free access to the internet for

every customer (for a minimum

period of time)

• Clear and user-friendly online

library services including e-books

• Staff trained to help customers

access online information,

especially those who lack IT skills

or equipment

• 24/7 access to services through a

virtual library presence

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Why do we need a Digital UO?

In 2016

• 89% of households in Great

Britain had internet access,

and 82% of adults used the

internet daily, or almost daily

• 11% of British households

had no internet access

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What’s been achieved

• Digital skills training for 14,000 library staff

• Digital leadership training for 80 senior staff

• Partnerships with Halifax and Barclays

• Successful bid to be part of Government’s

Assisted Digital/Digital Inclusion framework

• Free public wifi available in most libraries

• National discount deal for online subscriptions

video

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What next?

• Joint purchasing power

• Loanable devices

• Digital single presence

• Working with the

Libraries Taskforce

• Easier customer journeys

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Single Library Digital Presence

• Today’s library IT was largely designed 30 years ago

• Library websites frustrate users instead of serving them

• Libraries struggle to partner nationally because library systems

have different software

Current library digital infrastructure:

• prevents libraries from adopting the best practices of others

• discourages innovation rather than promoting it

• prevents libraries from sharing audiences and resources online

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Workplan 2017-18

Key workstreams:

• Single library digital presence

• Single digital sign-on

• Digital showrooms

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Ambitions• Improved levels of digital literacy in England

• All library services providing internet access, training and

support - in conjunction with partners - so people can get online

easily, and get help if they need it

• Users understand and make more informed decisions about

their safety and security, and use of their personal data online

as a result of library activities

• People perceive public libraries as being places they can go to

co-create and share expertise using cutting edge technology -

for example through makerspaces

• High quality 24/7 online access, seamlessly integrated with

physical aspects of public library services, available through a

Single Library Digital Presence

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Meanwhile …..

SCL is working with library suppliers to explore other

potential improvements:

• Making library holdings more accessible via Google

• More interoperability in the e-book market

• A model library management system specification

New dilemmasand challenges

• finding the right balance between mainstream and targeted

services aimed at minority or disadvantaged groups

• measuring success in a digital world

• the future is not just about knowledge consumption - it is about

libraries becoming places where people come together to

create

Fake news or

alternative facts?

Digital Universal Offer

Any questions?