The value and impact of Scotland’s public libraries

Scottish Book Trust has undertaken an independent research project, led by our Research and Evaluation Manager Éadaoín Lynch, to report on the value and impact of our public and school libraries – and showcase how they are intrinsic to removing inequity across many intersections of Scottish life.

We work across every local authority, striving to offer an opportunity for all people to tell their stories; as such, we are uniquely positioned to bear witness.

Methods include:

• Surveys of public and school librarians
• Interviews with public and school librarians
• Qualitative feedback from library users
• Quantitative data gathering on library opening hours and capacity

The full report, published in June 2025, reveals the vital and diverse role libraries play, while also unveiling the extent of closures and reduced services across Scotland over the past 16 years.

The research explores the profound impact that Scotland’s libraries have on their communities and the ways they bridge gaps for those facing the cost-of-living crisis and increasing poverty, digital inequality and the ongoing consequences of the Covid pandemic.

Our survey of 2,000 library users across the nation found that:

• 90% reported their library inspires their love of reading ‘a lot’
• Over 80% reported their library saves them money ‘a lot’
• 92% agreed their library is a safe space

Digital assets

We have created these downloadable assets to help you share the findings of our libraries research with your audiences. Below, you can find social media cards containing our key findings about libraries (generally and with a focus on Bookbug), a shareable image capturing why libraries matter, and a printable A5 leaflet that summarises the report.

Preliminary findings – School librarian surveys

Following the surveys circulated to librarians in autumn/winter 2023–24, Scottish Book Trust has prepared separate preliminary findings reports for Scotland's primary and secondary school libraries. 

The 'Main summary' document offers a high-level synopsis and comparison of primary and secondary school findings.

These findings showcase how school librarians across Scotland are passionate about their work, dedicated to their pupils, innovative and resourceful in their activity, and a stalwart correction to dis- and misinformation online. However, these findings also demonstrate the impact of drastic funding cuts, restrictions and competing demands on dedicated library spaces, and limited staff time and resource. 

Preliminary findings – Public librarian survey

Following the surveys circulated in autumn/winter 2023–24, Scottish Book Trust has prepared a preliminary findings report on Scotland's public libraries.

These findings showcase the pressures faced by the library sector, the successes delivered by indefatigable library workers and the profound impact that libraries have on their communities in terms of digital inclusion, reading for pleasure, learning opportunities and active citizenship.

Any queries, including press and media queries, can be sent to the Research and Evaluation team at [email protected](this link will open in a new window).