LOCAL libraries can provide access to different services otherwise missing in rural areas, says a report.

The study looked at how communities have worked together to protect and promote rural libraries across England at a time of change and funding challenges.

Defra, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Arts Council England teamed up to look at future scenarios for rural library services in England.

The research comprised a rapid evidence assessment of 30 of the most recent documents relevant to rural libraries in England.

Researchers also looked at eight rural areas to explore the nature of local service changes and new approaches to delivery.

The report says it will be important to encourage and co-design library services with other services to secure economies of scope – rather than looking to economies of scale.

There is a major role for rural library services as places which utilise, unlock and build social capital – not least, with their 'out-reach' potential, it adds.

This could provide access to many different services and activities otherwise missing in many rural areas, says the document.

The study says more positive approaches are needed to involving communities in rethinking the future of their rural libraries and library services.

This could include how library services and other rural services can intersect.

The level and nature of support provided to rural libraries in future will depend on the outcomes those services and venues are able to contribute to.

These may be far-removed from the traditional function of a library, yet hugely valuable to a community – and to public agencies, it says.

The report suggests that the most successful and sustainable rural libraries will be those that contribute to a range of local outcomes.

These would attract income and provide access to many different services and activities, otherwise missing in many rural areas, if local authorities plan strategically.

For details of the study, click here.