The Vital Role of Libraries in Empowering Communities and Fostering Lifelong Learning
Libraries provide an important social and educational role in Ireland, with over 53.6 million visits between 2018 and mid 2023 by 765,000 registered members, 76 million items issued across 330 branch libraries and 23 mobile libraries (including one cross border service). Operated by Local Authorities, they play an increasingly vital role in ensuring equality of access to information, reading and learning material.
In recent years, libraries have greatly expanded their offering and continue to adapt to the changing needs of their communities, with a roll-out of digital services including e-books, and access to journals and catalogues online and, in between 2012 and 2017 added 45 new or extended library branches. They also provide affordable internet access and support for people who may not own a computer, an important service, particularly in areas with low connectivity and/or high numbers of older people. As part of their commitment towards equity of access, library membership is now free for core services.
Of concern however is the ‘electronic content crisis facing libraries’. One example given by the Library Association of Ireland calls for ‘increased transparency and sustainability in ebook costs and licensing. In public libraries, the average cost of an ebook is three times the cost of a print book, with far greater restrictions on how it can be used. In academic libraries the situation is even worse – academic ebook costs can often be ten times as much as for the same paper book. Price rises are common, sudden and appear arbitrary. The CIAEM cites examples of well-known publishers increasing costs for a single-user ebook by 200% or more with no warning in 2020’. Access to information is vital for education, culture and democracy.
Social Justice Ireland welcomes the broadening of the scope of the library service, the removal of late fees, the introduction of Libraries Ireland, the availability of e-learning and electronic resources etc. However, it is important that these developments do not result in a closing or downgrading of smaller branch libraries, which play a significant role in supporting communities.
A new strategy for the public library service, The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration National Public Library Strategy 2023-2027 sets out three strategic themes for the delivery of the library service, People, Spaces and Connections. Social Justice Ireland welcomes the inclusion in the strategy of how the targets and objectives relate to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Libraries Strategy will only succeed with the commitment of library teams, particularly in the areas of community engagement and education.
Social Justice Ireland recommends that their central role to this success should be well supported through resources allocated to their continued professional development and wellbeing. We recommend a particular focus on encouraging new and disadvantaged communities to avail of the benefits of the library for broad education and recreation purposes. Libraries have an opportunity to collaborate with local stakeholders, become vibrant information hubs and centres of culture, learning and enterprise fit for the 21st century.
Listen to our library themed podcast episodes:
138. SJI Interviews Ep85: School Libraries with Kathleen Moran
135. SJI Interviews Ep83: Libraries with Stuart Hamilton