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Libraries top culture poll

25 September 2008

A recent Scottish Government survey has found that libraries are the most frequently attended cultural venue in the country, with almost one third of adults reporting visits to libraries in the last 12 months.

The Scottish Household Survey also found that reading continues to be the most popular cultural activity in Scotland, attracting 64% of the adult population.  This is almost three times higher than dance which was in second place with a 22% participation rate.  Other activities such as playing an instrument (10%) and photography (8%) were significantly less favoured by Scots.

The Scottish Household Survey is designed to provide information about the behaviour of Scottish households and individuals on a range of issues.  A more detailed report on the Culture and Sport Module of the survey will be published by the Scottish Government in late October 2008.

Commenting on the survey, Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Director, Elaine Fulton, said: “I am delighted that libraries continue to attract public support, however, this does not surprise me given the innovative approach to service development within the library sector. 

SLIC has engaged with public libraries across the country through the Scottish Government’s Public Library Quality Improvement Fund (PLQIF).  This has enabled us to demonstrate the impact that libraries have on people’s lives and the change they can effect in communities.”

PLQIF was introduced by the Scottish Executive in 2006 to support the implementation of a quality improvement framework for public libraries.  SLIC has just published an impact study on the first round of PLQIF projects and is planning to commission further work in this area.

Linda Fabiani, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, has welcomed the SLIC impact study: “I am glad to see that many local authorities have been engaging with the public libraries agenda and bringing forward new ideas about how to re-invigorate and modernise the service. 

Scottish Library and Information Council is a strong supporter of this activity with financial help from the Scottish Government.  I welcome this report which highlights the impact of innovative projects and shows the value of local libraries in promoting employment skills, computer skills and promoting reading to provide a lifetime of benefit to people in Scotland.” 

PLQIF continues to be supported by the Scottish Government and SLIC is currently assessing a new batch of funding applications.

Contact: Elaine Fulton, Director t: 01698 458888 e: e.fulton@slainte.org.uk

Notes

(1)Scottish Household Survey

All Statistics are taken from the Results from the 2007 Scottish Household Survey which was published by the Scottish Government in August 2008.  An abridged Culture & Sport section is also available.

(2)Public Library Quality Improvement Fund (PLQIF)

The PLQIF was launched by the Scottish Executive in 2006/07 to support the Public Library Quality Improvement Matrix (PLQIM), a quality assurance and performance monitoring framework for public libraries.  PLQIM was developed by SLIC in collaboration with the Scottish Executive.  PLQIF financial support is awarded by SLIC on an annual basis to assist public library services in the implementation of PLQIM.

About SLIC

The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library and information matters.  SLIC was established in 1991 and is funded by organisational membership subscriptions. The Scottish Government partially funds the Council in its work and the National Library of Scotland also contributes financial assistance.  SLIC members include all local authority, higher education and further education institutions, NHS Trust library services and other specialist library and information organisations.