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New research has highlighted the important role public libraries play in supporting communities, helping people build connections, access support and improve their wellbeing through everyday interactions.

The Evidencing the Social Value of Public Libraries project explored how libraries create value beyond traditional measures such as visitor numbers and book lending.

Using St Ninians Library in Stirling as a case study, the research found that libraries act as trusted community spaces where people can connect with others, access learning opportunities, receive practical support and take part in cultural life.

Led by Dr Katherine Champion of the University of Glasgow and Lindsay McKrell of Stirling Council Libraries and Archives, the project combined library data with observation and interviews with library users and staff to better understand the wider impact of public libraries on communities.

The research found that while statistics such as footfall and book loans remain important indicators of activity, they do not fully capture the ways libraries contribute to people's lives. Participants described libraries as welcoming and inclusive spaces that help reduce isolation, build confidence and create opportunities for learning and social connection.

Dr Katherine Champion, Senior Lecturer in Creative Industries and Cultural Policy at the College of Arts & Humanities, University of Glasgow, said: “What we’ve found is that the true value of libraries cannot be measured by numbers alone. Libraries are vital social infrastructure, providing welcoming spaces where people access information, find support, build relationships and connect with their communities.

“Much of this value is created through everyday interactions with library staff, whose work is often unseen but hugely important. The Social Value Toolkit will help libraries tell that story more effectively.”

Convener of Stirling Council’s Community Wellbeing Committee, Cllr Brian Hambly said: “We were thrilled to support this important research at our vibrant and popular library in St Ninians.

“Our libraries are not just places to borrow books – they are key community hubs that provide a wide range of services, opportunities and benefits for local people. They are free and welcoming spaces where people can come together to learn, connect and enjoy activities and events.

“This study reaffirms that role and highlights the wider social impact of libraries. It also provides a framework for measuring their full value which will support efforts to keep them relevant and continue to meet the changing needs of communities.”

Alison Nolan, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “The Scottish Library and Information Council  are delighted to support this important research  through the Public Library Improvement Fund, which provides compelling evidence of the significant social value created by public libraries.

“It demonstrates that their impact reaches far beyond traditional measures of visits and borrowing: libraries build connections, reduce isolation, support learning and wellbeing, and provide trusted, inclusive spaces at the heart of communities. Crucially, this work also gives library services a practical way to capture and communicate that impact, strengthening the evidence we have to demonstrate the essential role of public libraries across Scotland.”

At St Ninians Library, more than 27,000 visits were recorded during 2024-25, alongside almost 33,000 book loans. The library hosted 440 events attended by more than 4,400 people and provided access to digital resources and support for people carrying out everyday online tasks.

The study identified four key areas where libraries create social value: social connection, cultural enrichment, economic support and health and wellbeing. Researchers found these benefits are often linked, with library users describing how regular visits helped them meet people, develop new skills, feel part of their community and maintain a sense of routine and purpose.

The findings also highlighted the role played by library staff in creating welcoming spaces and supporting people through informal conversations, guidance and signposting to other services and activities.

A key finding of the study was the importance of finding better ways to evidence the full value of libraries and their impact on local communities. The project responded to this gap and developed a Social Value Toolkit to help library services gather evidence of their impact in a practical and sustainable way. The toolkit brings together routine data, observation, interviews and staff reflections to help capture outcomes that are often difficult to demonstrate through numbers alone.

The toolkit is intended as a flexible starting point which can be adapted by library services and refined over time through learning across the sector. Researchers hope it will support libraries to better communicate the difference they make to individuals, communities and decision-makers.

The findings underline the importance of combining statistics with qualitative evidence, including interviews, observation and staff reflections, to build a fuller picture of library impact.

The report concludes: “A central insight from this research is that library value is inherently interconnected. Economic, cultural, social and wellbeing outcomes are not experienced separately but produced together through everyday use. Crucially, this value is enacted through the relational labour of staff: small acts of recognition, conversation, encouragement, and care that make the library a meaningful and trusted space. Much of this work remains invisible within formal reporting systems, despite being fundamental to outcomes.

“The study also underscores the importance of qualitative and co designed approaches. Ongoing dialogue with staff and library professionals strengthened the analysis and ensured it remained grounded in practice.”

The toolkit is now being shared with the wider library sector as a starting point for further development and learning.

The Evidencing the Social Value of Public Libraries project

The Evidencing the Social Value of Public Libraries project was supported by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) through the Public Library Improvement Fund.

The research was led by Dr Katherine Champion, University of Glasgow, and Lindsay McKrell, Team Leader Libraries & Archives, Stirling Council.

The study focused on St Ninians Library in Stirling and included a literature review, observation, analysis of library data and interviews with library users and staff.

A Social Value Toolkit has been developed to help libraries evidence and communicate their impact.

Read The Evidencing the Social Value of Public Libraries Project  report and Social Value Toolkit here:

First published: 11 September 2026

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