Help to demonstrate the value of public libraries
Libraries Connected, the membership body for public library services, has commissioned a study to assess the impact of libraries at regional (South East for ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ Libraries) and national level. We know that libraries provide many benefits and deliver real positive outcomes for customers and communities, and for mental health. In these tough financial times, we need more than ever to provide evidence of this, enabling us to make the economic case for libraries.
Data Collection
For the data collection, our library staff might be asking attendees of library events between June and August 2025 to take part in this study. All personal data that is collected for this research will only be used for tracking purposes and will not be shared with any external organisations.
The Data Collection project is focussing on three areas of activities ÄûÃʵ¼°¹ Libraires offer:
- Weekly arts and crafts for over 65s – demonstrating the value of regular weekly attendance to arts and crafts activities that libraries deliver. This could be knit and natter sessions, craft sessions, crochet, drawing and other.
- Loneliness – demonstrating the impact of a range of library activities on the experience of social isolation and/or loneliness among individuals.
- Volunteering – demonstrating the value of volunteers in public libraries, based on regularity of attendance.
All paper forms will be stored securely for the duration of the project and destroyed once the data has been collected and anonymised. The forms will be destroyed by shredding/being put into a confidential waste bin.
All electronic forms will be saved securely with access restricted to designated staff members and will be deleted once the data has been collected and anonymised.
For more information on how we protect your privacy, please visit our webpage Your information and Privacy. A copy of our Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) can be viewed on request.
Thank you for supporting this libraries impact study. The project team are very grateful for your time and input.