Both surveys included a broadly similar set of respondents, with UK academic libraries being predominant.
Library Type
Budget Impacts
Information on budgets illustrated that fewer capital budgets are now being reduced, from 48% in 2020 to 36% in 2022. The data shows more confidence in the delivery of budgets with only 28% in 2022 not knowing their capital budget impact from Covid-19.
Moreover, libraries are reporting other budgetary influences, including institutional budget reductions that were in place pre-2020. Some organisations stated that extra Covid funding delivered some financial relief, whereas others are impacted by significant clawback to cover Covid expenditure.
There are other organisations declaring that changes in institutional funding and uncertain future finances are also affecting budgets.
Project Development
Unsurprisingly, there was definite uncertainty about project survival in 2020, with 50% unsure of the future of their ventures. This has decreased to just 8% in 2022, revealing more certainty in project development.
As a point of interest, we find 68% of projects planned in 2020 have since been undertaken after a Covid delay. The pandemic is still having an impact on project certainty, with 32% still being postponed in 2022.
In contrast, there were no projects cancelled in 2022 compared with 7% in 2020.
As libraries and their staff, students and patrons adjust to returning to work, there has been an increase in new budgets, with 72% reporting budget growth. Many organisations described that some of the key Covid measures they had implemented during the pandemic, such as desk booking, are continuing for best use of space and resources.
The 2020 survey asked libraries what Covid-19 security measures they were putting in place as they re-opened, with the 2022 survey revisiting this question to determine what had been implemented.
Both surveys reveal similar results, but with 15% more libraries using movement flows in 2022, click and collect is operating in 13% more organisations and 17% fewer libraries are now using contactless door controls.
In 2020, we asked libraries if their technology was enabling them to adopt essential measures, while delivering flexibility to adapt to changing guidelines. In both surveys, there are similar responses; however, it’s clear that technology is facilitating more agility than previously thought.
In 2020, technology provided more online content and chat facilities. In comparison, the assets delivering best practice in 2022 are solutions such as seat booking, hygiene stations and reductions in capacity.
Nevertheless, a number of institutions told us that they have now removed all Covid restrictions in 2022.
