New libraries, new users? Claire Creaser & Helen Greenwood

Project LiRA  Libraries in Renewal Areas  City library authority  3 new service points  Increase of 25%  Evaluation  Focused on community engagement 1 August th Northumbria

Methodology  Background research  Detailed case studies  When open 6 months  Site visits  Interviews with  Staff  Library panel  Users  Survey of users 2 August th Northumbria

The three libraries  City suburbs  Established community  Low-income families  Shared-use building  Variety of activities 3 August th Northumbria

The three libraries  Post-war estate  Well situated  Shared use building  Older community  Long-awaited 4 August th Northumbria

The three libraries  Residential area  Well situated  New staff team  Sole use  Partnership working  Meeting room 5 August th Northumbria

Findings  Common themes  Lessons learned  Engaging potential users  Use and users  Sustainability 6 August th Northumbria

Engaging potential users  One key objective  Success varied  Road shows – limited  Local press – better  Situation 7 August th Northumbria

Engaging potential users  Formal opening  Young people  Promote via schools  Biggest challenge? 8 August th Northumbria

Use and users  All recruited new users  Meeting needs  Not (always) associated with consultation!  Majority very satisfied  Opening hours convenient 9 August th Northumbria

Use and users  Young people  Limited engagement  Use increasing  Targeted activities  Children  Very successful  Promotion – schools & nurseries  Targeted activities include families 10 August th Northumbria

Sustainability  Library Panels  Key element of consultation  Practical as well as advisory role  Challenges  Maintaining interest  Definition of role  Staff involvement 11 August th Northumbria

Conclusions  Indicators of success  Positive user feedback  Levels of use  Keys to success:  Understanding the community  Library Managers  Central coordination 12 August th Northumbria

Conclusions  Lessons:  One size does not fit all  Share good practice  Challenge  Sustaining community engagement  New libraries = new users 13 August th Northumbria

Thank you To the library authority who commissioned the research. Claire Creaser Helen Greenwood 14 August th Northumbria