5 January 2006

Internet facilities have played a vital role in increasing the number of people visiting public libraries in England.

Between 2004 and 2005 the number of library visits increased by over three million, according to new statistics from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.

This is the third consecutive year UK libraries have enjoyed a rise in the level of visits and the growth is being partly put down to technological developments.

For example, the introduction of the web-based People's Network has helped provide visitors with an effective and easily accessible way to research books as well as chat with fellow readers across the country.

"The impact of the People's Network shows that investing in a new means of accessing information and learning was a wise move," commented John Dolan, the head of library policy at the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).

"These figures are a welcome spotlight on library performance and their timely release means that public libraries services can start the year knowing that more people are visiting and also with a clear set of goals for the future," he added.

The MLA will set about achieving these goals through its improvement programme, Framework for the Future, in which £9 million of central government funds are earmarked for investment in reading and literacy initiatives and improving the overall standard of public libraries.

© Adfero Ltd

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