Sunday Opening: An Investigation into Accessible Opening Hours and Sunday Opening in UK Public Libraries

Citation

McNicol, S. (2009), "Sunday Opening: An Investigation into Accessible Opening Hours and Sunday Opening in UK Public Libraries", New Library World, Vol. 110 No. 7/8, pp. 393-394. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800910975241

Based on a survey of opening hours in UK libraries carried out in 2007, this is the first comprehensive study of Sunday opening in public libraries. The report examines whether Sunday opening furthers the appeal and use of libraries, within the context of a need to increase usage, issues, and visits, and considers whether Sunday opening strengthens libraries place as centres for community engagement. It sets the issues in the context of current policy and societal developments, such as changes in retail and leisure activities and an increasing diverse religious population.

The picture which emerges is one of diversity across the country. Although Sunday opening is not widespread, in some authorities, especially large cities, it is common for at least some branches to open. In fact, two‐fifths of authorities responding to the survey have at least one branch open on a Sunday.

As well as reporting the survey findings, the report includes a number of case studies of authorities both offering and not offering Sunday opening, seeking to explore the reasons for their decisions. It would be a useful document for any library service evaluating its opening hours and considering opening on Sundays.

One of the key messages is that Sunday opening is generally most suitable in busy retail areas. The report also identifies a number of critical success factors for Sunday opening. These include: trying Sunday opening in busier libraries or ones which benefit from footfall from other sectors first; using appropriate consultation methods to reach the groups you want to target; and being realistic about staffing. In many areas however, there is no clear consensus on the best approach, for example, whether to make an “offer” or distinct approach on Sundays or what staffing model works best. This is not surprising give the relatively few libraries currently opening on Sundays.

Cost and staffing are the two main barriers to Sunday opening at present, but it is clear that extending opening hours in this way something which many library services will want to consider in the future. I believe it would be interesting if LISU were to repeat this survey on a regular basis to track developments in Sunday opening as this report highlights that this is an area in need of more research if library authorities are going to make decisions about Sunday opening based on reliable evidence.

I would recommend downloading this report rather than purchasing a print copy as it is free of charge in electronic format at the LISU web site: www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/dils/lisu/pages/publications/sunday‐opening‐op38.html