This Strategic Needs Assessment provides an evidence base for the Council to utilise when determining how public library services will be delivered for the residents of Cumberland going forward.
Cumberland covers a large geographical area and despite being deemed a “Largely Rural” local authority has a mix of built-up areas with a number of larger towns. The delivery of services, including a library service, in such a location presents complexities and the library usage data and resident feedback highlights the need to target provision effectively to meet local needs including in areas of rurality and deprivation.
The engagement results provide a snapshot of resident experience and aspiration. However, despite extensive attempts to encourage participation through multiple and channels over a period through outreach activities and communications, take up was limited. The number of respondents is a very small proportion of overall Cumberland Library members, which in itself, is a small percentage of the entire resident population of the area.
Cumberland Council is also aware of some limitations in the survey exercise. The questionnaire was long, in terms of questions, which is reflected by a falloff in detailed responses; respondents reflected back that one question was flawed; and in some areas respondents were invited to give feedback on set ideas, which lead them to consider set views, albeit they also had chance to return additional comments via free text.
Taking that into consideration, the themes arising from the survey have been relatively consistent so whilst acknowledging these limitations, the feedback is useful and considered valid.
Demographic data highlights the need to consider service models to meet some needs identified
Cumberland’s population is an ageing population with the number of older people (65+yrs) projected to increase by 21.6% by 2032. In considering a library service Fit for the Future it is also natural to give consideration to services to those who may use and benefit from it for years to come yet the number of children and young people (0-15 years, - 12.7%) and working-age people (16-64 years, -2.5%) is projected to decrease by 2032. However, it is evident that survey respondents want to see the development or services for children and young people.
As well as the ageing population, the number of years of people living in good health has fallen in Cumberland. With healthy life expectancy for both males and females in Cumberland below national averages there could be an increased need to consider the provision of services for the elderly, including those with health needs. This could have implications for the home library services or suggest a need to deliver outreach services in a different way.
The number of residents in Cumberland who have a disability is above the national average for England. Amongst survey respondents, there was an even larger proportion than the average who report being disabled under the Equality Act in Cumberland) and has implications for the accessibility, staff training and awareness, service design, and future planning.
An ageing population and associated increases in health risks, along with levels of disability which affect Cumberland more acutely than many parts of the country.
Areas of deprivation are located in some of Cumberland’s more urban areas and along parts of the west coast. High levels of child poverty and low educational attainment; low household incomes; higher unemployment rates; and poor overall health outcomes tend to be found in these areas. Libraries can make a positive impact on reading and literacy of the population.
Educational attainment levels amongst school populations are lower than the national average as is the proportion of the working age population with high level qualifications. There may be opportunities for libraries to build existing links with the Adult Learning team.
Rurality will impact on service provision and access to services, with infrastructure and transport networks impacting access and availability.
Cumberland’s population is not as ethnically diverse as the rest of England.
When compared the national average, Cumberland had a much smaller proportion of residents born in non-UK countries (Cumberland: 4.6%, England & Wales: 16.8%). However, the proportion of residents born in non-UK countries varied considerably across Cumberland’s wards and this may require local consideration of service user needs.
Similarly, student populations associated with the university campuses and higher education colleges may also create local need, particularly in Carlisle where the greatest number of full-time students aged 16 to 24 years reside.
The percentage of the population identifying as LGBTQ+ is slightly lower than the average for England, but their needs should be reflected in the provision of services and there was some feedback from the survey that library services need to be inclusive.
There is no evidence to suggest that the needs of library users vary according to their religion, belief or marital status.
Library statistical data also highlights several key issues.
Registered library members are likely to represent around 16.1% of Cumberland’s population, ranging from 13.6% of the population in the Copeland area to 17.8% in the Carlisle area.
Data indicates that females are more likely to be active library users than males at all life stages, and this increases with age.
All age groups use the library service although there is some disparity between them, including those that are active, and those that use Digital only services. Libraries need to deliver services to all age groups but whilst adapting this to differing requirements and preferences.
Analysis of Cumberland Council library data indicates that people living in the most deprived neighbourhoods are less likely to be active or digital library users than those living in the least deprived neighbourhoods. One in four of Cumberland’s population are estimated to live in the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England.
A large number of engagement events and activities are held in libraries and a smaller number in the community (in 2024, 3,213 events attracted 36,968 attendees).
The greatest proportion relating to culture and creativity (34.7%). Just over one in four events (26.3%) are aimed at children / younger age groups. Just under one in four (23.1%) related to health and wellbeing.
Use of books and items for loan remains strong, with the service offer including physical and digital stock items.
Many registered library members do not take advantage of the digital resources on offer, and only a small proportion of Digital only members are actively using Borrowbox services. There may be a variety of reasons for this, but greater understanding is needed of people who have taken out Digital Only membership in particular but then are not using it.
The average number of active users who were physical borrowers each month varies between individual libraries, with the smallest volumes generally seen in the library links where some levels of use are very small.