The document summarizes research from a conference on mobile public libraries in Scotland. It finds that mobile libraries provide important services to rural communities, with nearly 37,000 users and over 600,000 book loans annually. Mobile libraries help combat loneliness, improve health and wellbeing, support learning and families. However, reduced funding has led to fewer mobile library routes and vehicles. The research calls for investment and innovative models to strengthen this vital but aging service.

1. CILIPS Conference 2019
Libraries on
the move
Scottish
mobile public
libraries
@DrAlysonTyler

2. In their own words:
“The [mobile] library visit
is a lifeline to the outside
world”

3. The research brief
Overall aims:
 scope current landscape of mobile
provision
 investigate benefits of mobile libraries
 evidence of impact on communities
 review alternative models and options
+ link to Ambition and opportunity: a strategy for public
libraries in Scotland 2015-2020)

4. Research involved surveys, interviews,
literature review and site visit
Nearly 350 responses
from users
Day out: Kinlochard route
and Lake of Menteith

5. Mixed pattern of mobile provision
 49 mobile libraries in 22 local
authorities
 Recent reductions in fleet
numbers
 Vehicles age 2 months to 18
years
 Over 3,000 mobile library stops

6. Highly valued service, reasonably well
used
 Nearly 37,000 mobile library users (= almost 8% of
the active borrowers of these authorities)
 Over 635,000 book loans (2017-18) – vary from
being 1%-27% of authority’s loans
 Over 270,000 visits (2017-18)
98% of mobile library users rate the service as
very or extremely valuable

7. Current issues include reduced
funding and possible decline in usage
 Almost all authorities have
reduced mobile service
 Mixed usage trends: up,
down and static
 Rural issues important

8. Other countries experiencing similar
issues
Finland has retained high
usage patterns. Above: Oulu
library van; Right: Netti Nysse
ICT vehicle at IFLA, Milan

9. Mobile libraries reduce loneliness and
social isolation
“It provides an
invaluable - and
possibly
unquantifiable -
community service.”
(Western Isles, 50s, F)
“Sometimes the
mobile driver is
the only person I
see all week.”
(Highland, 70s, F)

10. Mobile libraries improve health and
wellbeing
“When my depression was
really bad, I couldn’t even
bring myself to go out to
the van. The librarian
would pick up my returns
from the post bin and
leave a bag of books she
had chosen. Then, as my
health improved I could go
out to the van again.”
(East Lothian, 50s, F)
“It helps me
manage my mental
health problem.”
(Western Isles, 60s, F)

11. Mobile libraries benefit learning and
development
“I am now working as
a result of passing
exams (the mobiles
provided many of the
books for my course). I
am financially better
off as a result of
working.”
(Angus, 50, F)
“It is fantastic for
the primary school
children to use as
part of their
learning skills.”
(Stirling)

12. Mobile libraries support children and
families
“My child lights up
when it arrives.
Literally jumping up
and down excited to
choose new books. A
great gift for the next
generation.”
(South Lanarkshire, 30s, F)
“It’s helped by
helping me spell
and learn new
words and what
they mean.”
(Edinburgh, 9, F)

13. Mobile libraries support culture
and leisure
“It brings
education and
entertainment to
our doorstep
(nearly).”
(Orkney, 60s, M)
“Books open up
worlds of
possibilities.”
(Perth & Kinross, 30s, F)

14. Negative impacts of reduced mobile
service would be felt by young and old
“I would feel very deprived and more lonely.”
(Western Isles, 70s, F)
“Have no choice but to read less and that’s not fair.”
(Highland, 10 yr old)
“I’d be distraught! Trips to the library would be
extremely time-consuming and the sheer practicality
of carrying books would present a problem.” (Angus,
60s, F)

15. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and
kind staff
“The friendly helpful staff who go
above and beyond their duties to
make using the library van a
welcoming and social experience.”
(Fife, 50s, F)
But… difficult working conditions

16. Can the c.100 year old model be improved
for today and the future?
 Alternative delivery models
 Adjust services
 Improve marketing
 Mobile Libraries Day?
 Strategic analysis to increase use
 Collaboration – shared services and external partners
 Include in future frameworks and strategies
 Investment in digitally enhanced mobiles (capital
improvement fund)
Economies of SCOPE

17. The magic of the mobile library
“I wait to see the yellow van
wind its way down the s-bend
hill and know it is full of
treats. It lifts my spirits and
makes me smile.”
(Western Isles, 60s, F)