Warwickshire Libraries ask users for their comments
Warwickshire Libraries is consulting with adult users to find out what they think of libraries. The survey comes out at a time when figures are showing that usership has gone up considerably in many areas of the service.
Nearly 3 million visitors went through the doors of Warwickshire’s libraries over the last year 2005/06 with over 3 million books, CDs and DVDs issued. Over 100,000 reservations of items were made and nearly half a million PC sessions attended. A recent family weekend at Compton Verney, which marked the culmination of the summer’s reading challenge, attracted over 1,400 visitors.
· Average visits in Rugby’s four libraries were the highest in the county with nearly 15,000 (14,661) per week in the year 2005/2006.
· Average usership in Warwick’s five libraries was nearly 14,000 (13,766) visits per week in the year 2005/2006.
· Average usership in Nuneaton and Bedworth’s six libraries was over 10,000 (10,582) visits per week in the year 2005/2006.
· Average usership in North Warwickshire’s seven libraries was nearly 5,000 (4,970) visits per week in the year 2005/06.
· Average usership in Stratford District’s ten libraries was nearly 12,000 (11,878) visits per week in the year 2005/2006.
Public user surveys are now being carried out in all of the 32 libraries in the county. Every adult who uses the libraries will get a chance to have a say on stock, staff and other services provided in their area.
The survey reflects the ever changing face of libraries with questions looking at computer use, the borrowing of multimedia such as CDs, DVDs, talking books and computer games as well as how the library helps in gaining information on family histories and local studies.
Edwina Cordwell, head of libraries, learning and culture, said: “I am delighted that the usership figures for libraries are so good. We have worked hard to branch out in libraries and offer a range of services that library users of only ten years ago could only have dreamed of – such as internet access, DVD and CD hire. The library service has also developed micro libraries (small book collections in a number of children’s centres).
“Just this weekend, the Family Readers and Writers event, held by Warwickshire Libraries for the second year, showed an increase in participation of around 20%. It is very rewarding for staff to see their efforts being reflected by increased usership among their customers.
“However, we know that if we do not provide people with what they want, there is a danger that we will not sustain this increase in usership. That is why I urge people to fill in the questionnaires at their libraries. We do pay attention to what you say and your views will help to shape the services that we provide.”
Public Library User Survey Schedule
Surveys begin week commencing:
Whitnash: 18 September
Leamington: 2 October
Warwick: 2 October
Lillington: 9 October
Kenilworth: 16 October
Rugby: 18 September
Binley Woods: 25 September
Dunchurch: 2 October
Wolston: 9 October
Baddesley Grendon: 18 September
Polesworth: 18 September
Coleshill: 25 September
Kingsbury: 25 September
Dordon: 2 October
Water Orton: 9 October
Atherstone: 16 October
Bedworth Heath: 25 September
Nuneaton: 2 October
Bedworth: 2 October
Stockingford: 2 October
Bulkington: 16 October
Keresley Newland: 16 October
Stratford: 2 October
Shipston on Stour: 2 October
Harbury: 9 October
Kineton: 9 October
Southam: 9 October