Number of computers in Scotland's libraries falls by 6%
March 18, 2019NEWS FROM OPEN KNOWLEDGE INTERNATIONAL
EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE
NUMBER OF COMPUTERS IN SCOTLAND’S LIBRARIES FALLS BY 6%
The number of computers in Scotland’s libraries has fallen by 6 per cent since the turn of the decade, new figures have revealed. The investigation comes amid growing concerns about ‘digital exclusion’, with access to computers in public places being reduced at a time when public services are increasingly moving to digital-only applications. The new Universal Credit welfare system involves online applications only, and it was revealed last week that 45,000 people in Scotland needed help filling out the form. Research for the House of Commons Library shows Scotland had 4,545 computers in libraries in 2010-11, but only 4,264 in 2017-18 (-6 per cent).
Catherine Stihler, chief executive of Open Knowledge International which campaigns on data literacy, said: “Technological advances are driving the world forward, but too many people are being left behind. “Digital exclusion is a major challenge, particularly when so many vital public services such as welfare payments now require online applications. “Public access to computers in libraries is a necessity, and it’s troubling to see the number reduce in both England and Scotland. “Closing down libraries is a short-sighted decision, which flies in the face of attempts to boost data literacy and ensure that data is shared openly so that we can empower communities.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Data on the numbers of computers in libraries UK-wide – England had 34,728 computers in libraries in 2010-11. This fell to 30,967 in 2017-18 (-11%) – Wales had 2,852 computers in libraries in 2010-11. This rose to 3,152 in 2017-18 (+11%) – Scotland had 4,545 computers in libraries in 2010-11. This fell to 4,264 in 2017-18 (-6%) – Data was not available for Northern Ireland after 2013-14 SOURCE: CIPFA, Public Libraries, December 2018 and earlier editions (Data collated by the House of Commons Library)
Contact: Alan Roden at [email protected] or +44 07753 904 531
ABOUT OPEN KNOWLEDGE FOUNDATION
The Open Knowledge Foundation helps governments, universities, and civil society organisations reach their full potential by providing them with skills and tools to publish, use, and understand data. We are the experts in opening up knowledge: we created the Open Definition in 2005, the gold standard for open data, and have over ten years of experience in addressing technological, legal and social challenges around open data. We believe in a world where knowledge creates power for the many, not the few.
We deliver technology solutions, enhance data literacy, provide cutting-edge research and mobilise communities to provide value for a wide range of international clients. Our track record includes the development of pioneering databases for fiscal and medical transparency, world leading open data benchmarks such as the Global Open Data Index, and data training programs with key non-profit organisations such as Global Witness. We work with a range of international NGOs, such as Transparency International, as well as governments around the world, including the United Kingdom, United States, Panama, and Sweden.
Read more here: https://okfn.org
The Open Knowledge Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation. It is incorporated in England & Wales as a company limited by guarantee, with company number 05133759. Registered office address: 86 - 90 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NE, UK.