| answer text |
<p>The provision of public library services in England is a matter for local authorities
to determine. The responsibility for libraries in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and
Wales rests with the respective devolved administration.</p><p>Local authorities in
England have a statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide
a comprehensive and efficient library service. They are responsible for determining
the delivery of a modern and efficient library service that meets the requirements
of their communities. In considering how best to deliver this statutory duty, each
local authority can, if they wish, consider the provision of loaning out electronic
devices.</p><p>Whilst this is not a matter for the department to require, we understand
that the provision of portable devices to lend is something library services are increasingly
delivering. We know that at least a quarter of library services in England already
provide portable electronic devices for loan, generally targeted to those more likely
to be digitally disadvantaged. I learned about an example of this at Manchester
Central Library in my visit during Libraries Week.</p><p> </p>
|
|
