The Future of Libraries: A Call to Refocus on Core Services

The release of the 2024 Urban Libraries Council Library Insights Report paints a sobering picture of the challenges facing public libraries today. While libraries have made strides in recovering from the disruptions of the 2020 pandemic, the data reveals significant shifts in how communities interact with these vital institutions. Physical visits, circulation, and in-house service usage have all plummeted compared to pre-pandemic levels, and although some trends show signs of improvement, the overall trajectory raises critical questions about the future role of libraries in our communities.

Since 2019, library visits have declined by 35%, circulation is down 30%, and computer usage has dropped a staggering 79%. Large library systems serving populations of over 700,000 have been particularly hard-hit, reporting steep declines in computer usage and wireless sessions. At the same time, digital resource usage has surged by 40%, signaling a clear shift toward remote access over in-person engagement. These changes reflect the broader societal pivot toward digital convenience but also highlight a troubling trend: fewer people find compelling reasons to visit the physical library. This erosion of foot traffic risks diminishing libraries' relevance in their communities and makes justifying current or increased staffing levels increasingly challenging.

In-person visits, though rising compared to the pandemic lows, remain well below 2019 levels. Libraries are also grappling with a 29% increase in reported incidents in 2023 compared to the previous year, driving higher security budgets. This combination of reduced usage and increased operational challenges threatens the long-term sustainability of libraries, especially as funding agencies scrutinize resource allocation. If libraries cannot reverse the decline in physical visits, they risk facing deeper budget cuts and losing their place as community hubs.

At the same time, the shift to digital resources underscores libraries' adaptability. This pivot, however, cannot be a replacement for the rich in-person experiences that libraries have historically offered. The loss of foot traffic to physical branches is not just about numbers; it represents a loss of connection to the community and a potential decrease in the visibility of libraries as critical public resources.

To address this challenge, libraries must return to their core mission. Historically, libraries have been trusted centers of literacy, education, and public engagement. A renewed focus on customer service, technology education, in-branch literacy programming, and in-depth collection knowledge could help libraries rebuild their value as indispensable community spaces. This is not an argument to abandon newer initiatives like maker spaces and advanced technology training but rather to strike a better balance. By emphasizing their foundational services while maintaining innovation, libraries can better serve their communities and attract the visitors they desperately need.

Staffing levels are another critical consideration. After a decline in 2022, full-time equivalent staffing rose slightly (3%) in 2023, bringing numbers closer to pre-pandemic levels. However, sustaining or increasing staffing levels while facing declining physical visits is a hard sell to funding agencies. 

To secure their future, libraries must demonstrate their impact and relevance through robust in-person programming and community engagement efforts. They need to do this with a deeper understanding of the communities they serve. This can be accomplished through a participatory service model that allows library users to participate in service selection and direction, including collections and programming. 

The future of libraries depends on their ability to evolve without losing sight of their purpose or their community. By refocusing on core services – and being willing to shed services and programs that are not successful – all while embracing strategic innovation, libraries can reclaim their role as vibrant community hubs. This balanced, community-focused approach will not only draw people back to the physical library but also reaffirm libraries' essential place in a rapidly changing world.