Clare's Library Users Asked To Speak Up

PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 12, 2007 – Over 33,000 questionnaires will be given out in 369 branch and mobile libraries in every part of the country over the next few weeks.

Research in advance of the survey revealed that during just one week in June there were over 285,000 visits to public libraries around the country.  

Commenting on this figure, Noel Crowley, Clare County Librarian said, "We have always known that far more people use libraries than book loan figures suggest. This visitor count numbers reveal that annual visits to public libraries are now in excess of 14 million – this is an increase of 16% since the previous user survey was carried out in 2002."

The National Public Library User Survey takes place in libraries around Clare from 17th September and runs for two weeks. The participating Clare libraries are located in Ennis, Killaloe, Cranny, Ennistymon, Kilkee, Shannon, Sixmilebridge, Kilrush, Kilmihil, Tulla, Scariff, Kildysart, Lisdoonvarna, Corofin, Miltown Malbay and Newmarket-On-Fergus.  

Questionnaires and publicity material are being produced in 5 languages in order to obtain the views of as wide a range of users as possible.  The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is funding the survey, which is being co-ordinated by the Library Council and organised locally by public library staff.

According to Norma McDermott, Council Director, "The national survey is a great development, giving the users of the public libraries a chance to say what they like and do not like about the service, and what improvements and changes they want to see."

"The Public Library has always been committed to serving the library user", Ms. McDermott added, "and we are looking forward to hearing what the users have to say."

Results of the survey are scheduled for publication in January 2008.

In recent years the Library Service has seen new investment from both local and national Government. This has resulted in many new buildings, a better range of books and new services such as free Internet access, broadband and WiFi facilities. Since 2002, 33 new or renovated libraries funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have opened their doors to the public across the country.

-ENDS-

Notes for editors
-   Mr. Noel Crowley, Clare County Librarian (087-234801) and Brendan Teeling, Assistant Director, An Chomhairle Leabharlanna (01-6761167/6761963) are available for interview and further comment.
-   Further information is available from Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
-   An Chomhairle Leabharlanna (The Library Council), established in 1947, is the statutory agency which advises national and local government on public library development in Ireland. An Chomhairle is involved in a range of activities to enhance the role of public libraries in Irish life and promote the use of the service to the public.

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax)