Thesis Title:
Libraries in Transition: Delivery Models, Accessibility and Spatial Justice in England
Thesis Abstract:
Between 2010 and 2020, reduced government funding has led to a transformation in library services across England. With 276 closures and widespread transition from local authority to community-run and alternative delivery models, the English library landscape is rapidly evolving. Despite sustained public engagement, there is a significant lack of systematic exploration of changes in service provision models and their impact on accessibility, inclusivity, and community outcomes across spatial and socio-economic contexts.
This mixed-method study aims to fill this gap through three phases:
(1) quantitative spatial mapping of library delivery models across England, updating current datasets and incorporating innovative social media data mining to capture unlisted community libraries;
(2) qualitative fieldwork methods to effectively understand the variety of delivery models and how they shape accessibility, service quality, and community engagement;
(3) statistical analysis integrating deprivation data, census information, and local authority budgets to quantify model effectiveness across both time and space and identify national equity gaps.
Framed through spatial justice and social infrastructure theories, this research will provide the first systematic mapping of library delivery models in England and evidence-based policy recommendations on the efficiency of library service provision models across different contexts in England, supporting more equitable service provision.
Primary Supervisor:
Dr Salvatore Di Novo