Following our launch to the libraries sector earlier this year, we’re releasing an updated version of the LibraryOn website for everyone to explore.

It’s part of a wider programme of work to enhance the online profile, discoverability and digital capabilities of libraries, funded by Arts Council England. You can read more on the journey so far.

Our new website celebrates public libraries and highlights what they offer – helping more people to discover what their local library offers in person or to browse and access services online. New content showcases how libraries support communities and learning, and provide services such as hosting reading groups, access to digital devices, Wi-Fi and flexible spaces for study, work and enjoyment.

LibraryOn functionality, the libarayfinder app.

Over the last six months, we have made rapid progress in developing the first comprehensive easy-to-access listing of public libraries in England, searchable via your postcode. We’re also currently testing the option for browsing library catalogues to offer a smoother experience, particularly for those new to libraries.

Our ambition is to provide a one-stop-shop that inspires and provides practical and easy ways for more people to access free services provided by libraries in a world where digital information and services are now the norm, while also sharing how libraries are providing a lifeline for many people facing challenges from the cost of living to accessing the internet and digital devices.   

The release will be supported by a national campaign to promote the new site to encourage people, particularly those who do not normally use libraries, to visit LibraryOn to find their local library and a preview of what services they can use. 

To deliver this programme, we now have a full new multidisciplinary digital team of 13 staff in post, including experts on content creation, product and technical development, interaction design and grant management. The first of its kind at the British Library, the team embeds a digital-first approach, where the focus is on meeting users’ needs through ongoing testing and development.

LibraryOn has also provided direct support to library services across the country by awarding £1.09m of funding to 27 successful digital projects (reaching 900 individual libraries) from public libraries across England. The projects are now coming together regularly for a Community of Practice, in which they share learning and insights, and plans are also underway for a digital symposium for libraries on 1 March.

Over the next six months, the build of the national digital platform and the local grants will continue to further develop and link with other strategic initiatives. Funded by Arts Council England, the LibraryOn programme also complements wider government strategy for libraries, and contributes to the delivery of ‘Knowledge Matters’, the British Library’s 10-year strategy.

LibraryOn is very excited to launch a second grants programme for library services, following the success and high demand from the first round of grants.

Funded by Arts Council England, the programme will support activity that enables libraries to upgrade their digital resources, with the aim of enabling more people to find and access services provided by libraries. We welcome applications for projects under the four headings:

• Library apps
• On-line registration to join the library and/or event registration
• Virtual tours
• Upgrades and improvements to Library Management Systems.

The fund opens on Wednesday 4th October, and will close for applications on Wednesday 1st November. We have a budget of up to £500,000 and expect to make between 15 and 20 awards.

Applications can be for between £10,000 and £30,000 and activity must be delivered between November 2023 and March 2024.
Services that applied to round one are also very welcome to apply to this round.

We acknowledge that the delivery time for projects is short. We would expect projects that are ready to go and deliverable within the timeframe would be well placed to apply.

To apply, head to the LibraryOn website for more details.

In this edition of Behind the Scenes, we sat down with Catherine Ross, our Sustainability Manager, to find out more about her role and the steps the Library is taking to make a positive impact on climate change.

What do you do at the Library?

I’m the Sustainability Manager. That means I coordinate the work across the Library to reduce the environmental impact of the Library’s own operations; our heating, lighting, travel, and waste. I also input to our wider work, finding ways that our amazing collection and partnerships can influence climate action.

 

Sustainability Manager is a new role - why has the Library created it?

Our new strategy includes sustainability as one of the Library’s priorities, so we knew we needed more resource to deliver that work.

The Library wants to cut its own carbon footprint, but also have a positive impact far beyond this, opening up our climate science collections for research, providing new culture and learning opportunities that support climate literacy, and supporting businesses to have a positive climate impact.

 

How did you come to work here?

I’m a passionate environmentalist. After 20 years of making lots of practical changes in my own life, plus voluntary work in my community with an environmental charity, I moved my career into the environmental sector.

I’ve joined the Library from the Church of England Environment Programme, where I led their work to achieve net zero carbon. From one national icon to another!

 

What kind of things is the British Library doing to be more sustainable?

Loads - on energy use, we’ve swapped a lot of lights for LEDs, installed solar panels at our Boston Spa site and solar thermal here at St Pancras. We’re just finishing the installation of a heat pump at Boston Spa, which will heat four of our buildings very efficiently using heat from the ground rather than a gas boiler.

We’ve massively reduced plastic in our shops and cafes. We’ve reduced our waste, and now nothing goes to landfill.

Looking more widely, we were a founding partner in the Green Libraries Partnership. Our recent exhibitions, like Animals: Art, Science and Sound, have woven messages about the climate crisis and nature loss into their story. We offer resources and webinars for green businesses. We also have a staff Sustainability Group which all staff are welcome to join, which is leading on practical changes across the Library.

 

Is sustainability important to you personally?

Yes, very. I’ve got three kids, and I’m scared about what the world will look like when they’re older. That fear motivates me to take environmental action wherever I can.

Like lots of people, taking action helps me manage the ‘green blues’. The injustice of climate change also drives me on. We can see in the news every week that the poorest countries of the world and the poorest people of the world are already having their lives destroyed by climate change and pollution. But it’s not just Sustainability Managers who can do something to tackle the issues; every job is a ‘climate job’, we can all do something that makes a difference.

Read more about our sustainability strategy and progress so far.