IN DEPTH
Should library services be cutting their most dynamic spaces?
With digital technology Mobile libraries could be the most dynamic public library spaces according to Dave Rowe, who has been work- ing on a project to get mobile library data online, but they’re more likely to face cuts than a digital re-imagination.
A recent report, Libraries on the Move, by Dr Alyson Tyler, studied the impact of mobile libraries in Scotland. Highlights included 98 per cent of users rating the service as either very or extremely valuable. And that there were 274,136 visits to mobiles in 2017-18.
User surveys showed the strength of feeling, with comments like “My child lights up when it arrives. Literally jumping up and down excited to choose new books”, and “Having the library visit has lessened feelings of isolation and brings the wider world to my door”. Despite the high level of satisfaction, 12 UK local authorities have stopped pro- viding mobile services in the last two years. The decline is more dramatic than that of static libraries and aff ects those most in need. Mobile libraries have also seen a decline in their use, making them an easy target for cuts. There are problems in the communica- tion of mobile library information to the public. Timetables are diffi cult to read, and published in outdated formats, if at all. For the services that remain, it is diffi cult for cit- izens to even discover when they visit. It’s impossible to say that this is the reason for the decline in use, but it can’t be helping. Despite this, there are opportunities for mobile library services to transform services. Data on population, transport, and places, off er ways of enhancing service plan- ning. Real-time technologies provide new ways to present mobile library services.
Route optimisation A 1981 library guide, Mobile Library Route Planning by Colin Campbell, gave instruc-
38 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
Dave Rowe is a freelance software engineer and open data enthusiast,
info@librarieshacked.org
tions of how to plan mobile library routes. The process involved a large-scale physical OS map, and index cards for each stop. These were pinned to the map with diff erent colour pins to represent routes.
Digital map information provides the oppor- tunity to optimise mobile library routes using software. This could be to consider fuel use, emissions, road speeds, time taken between stops, and even traffi c at diff erent times of day. Route planning software even allows for certain conditions to be set, such as visiting a school at a certain time.
As with all technology, it’s important that this never overrides local expertise. Route optimisation is as a tool that can help in planning routes. It won’t always pick up on roads that aren’t suitable for a mobile library vehicle.
Targeting new locations
Mobile libraries provide services in rural areas, which don’t have the population to justify
October-November 2019
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