Research on Public Libraries' Impact on Employment and Digital Skills

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The Arts Council England awarded a contract to Shared Intelligence for research on the impact of libraries on employment.

The project examined how public libraries deliver activities and interventions to increase employability and improve digital skills, including free internet access, Wi-Fi, business and intellectual property information, job clubs, makerspaces, and community learning spaces.

It highlighted the success of Business and Intellectual Property Centres developed in partnership with the British Library, which supported an equivalent of 15 business starts per day since 2012, with 55% started by women, 31% by individuals from black or Asian minority ethnic backgrounds, and 17% by those declaring a disability; 90% of these businesses were still trading after three years compared to the national average of 60%.

The research also noted that public libraries provide safe and neutral community spaces but face funding challenges due to austerity, leading to closures and alternative delivery models.

The contract value was AUD 56,955.