The best libraries are a hub for local life and community learning

Sir Andrew Foster

The report found that visits to libraries were down by 17% while actual loans were down by 23%.

By contrast book sales have risen considerably as shops become more consumer friendly.

The report says that since 1992 library services have been neglected, with spending on books reduced by a third to about �770m per year.

Positive aspect

Libraries have also been cutting opening hours, with those open for 30 hours or more down by 10% despite a growing demand for services offered by them.

One positive aspect highlighted was the increase in computer terminals as more than 10,000 have been installed around the country in the past five years.

The study recommends local authorities look at what a community expects from a library and listen to the ideas of those that use them.

The research found that young people thought library collections were more geared towards older readers and that the chance of finding a current bestseller were low.

Another worrying figure was that only 59% of people who went to libraries for a specific book could actually find it.

Shared concerns

Sir Andrew Foster, controller for the Audit Commission, said: "The best libraries are a hub for local life and community learning, but the evidence shows many aren't meeting local needs as well as they should.

"This report highlights some that are doing a good job - there are simple lessons that can be shared to make all libraries more attractive and responsive to the people they serve."

Guy Daines, principal policy adviser of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, said: "We share the concerns, expressed in the report, about the quality of the book stock, the poor state of many library buildings, and inadequate opening hours.

"These reflect years of under-investment.

"It is important to highlight the good news as well - the willingness of public libraries to embrace new technology and the Internet, the renewed emphasis on reader development activities and that 40% of those libraries which have been inspected were found to be providing good or excellent services."