In the News Teaching Activity – the social benefits of libraries (Sept 2024)

Should councils be cutting library services?

Since 2016, over 180 UK council-run libraries have closed or transferred to volunteers, disproportionately affecting deprived areas, BBC analysis reveals. Publicly funded libraries in poorer communities were four times more likely to close, with 2,000 jobs lost and a third of libraries cutting hours. Libraries offer vital community services beyond book lending, such as literacy clubs, children's play sessions, access to computers, and warm spaces for those facing fuel poverty. Despite a 71% rise in visits between 2021-23, funding lags behind demand. Critics, including author Michael Rosen, decry closures as “an act of cruelty,” while volunteers struggle to maintain services without government support. Is cutting access to libraries good economics?

Public libraries in 'crisis' as councils cut services - BBC News

1 What are the social benefits of public libraries?

2 Using an MSB/MSC diagram, show how the market is likely to underprovide library services.

3 What is the opportunity cost for councils who continue to provide good library services?