Libraries

Definition

A library is a static service point which provides access to library services for the general public. This does not include mobile libraries, which are covered in the mobile library stops dataset.

How the data can be collected

Library services will be able to use the public library basic dataset (managed by Arts Council England / DCMS) and local authority records as a starting point, which includes similar fields.

If starting from scratch, this template file can be downloaded and opened using spreadsheet software.

Sample data row

Local authority	Local authority code	Library name	Library code	Address 1	Address 2	Address 3	Postcode	Unique property reference number	Latitude	Longitude	Status	Statutory	Facility type	Type of library	Year opened	Year closed	Monday staffed hours	Tuesday staffed hours	Wednesday staffed hours	Thursday staffed hours	Friday staffed hours	Saturday staffed hours	Sunday staffed hours	Monday unstaffed hours	Tuesday unstaffed hours	Wednesday unstaffed hours	Thursday unstaffed hours	Friday unstaffed hours	Saturday unstaffed hours	Sunday unstaffed hours	Special hours	Weekly staffed hours	Weekly total hours	Automated access system	Co-located	Co-located with	Guest wifi	Member wifi	Public computers	Printing	Meeting rooms	Quiet study space	Step-free access	Accessible toilet	Hearing loop	Facilities and services	Phone number	Email address	URL	Notes
Plymouth	E06000026	Crownhill Library	PLY-CRO	Cross Park Road	Crownhill		PL6 5AN	100041062012	50.4124	-4.1345	Open	Yes	Static library	LAL	1991		08:30-18:00	08:30-18:00	08:30-18:00	08:30-20:00	08:30-18:00	09:00-17:00										57.5	57.5		No		Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Books; Free Wi-Fi; Public computers; Printing; Quiet study space	01752 305900	[email protected]	https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/libraries/findlibraryandopeninghours/crownhilllibrary

An example of this dataset can be viewed at Plymouth libraries.

Field notes

Local authority code

The Government Statistical Service (GSS / ONS) 9-character code for the local authority (e.g. E06000026 for Plymouth). This links directly to the parent library services dataset.

Library name

You should list all libraries managed by your service. Independent libraries such as community-managed are not expected to be included unless they are part of a transition or service agreement.

If however you are updating the dataset and a library that used to be listed as managed by your service has since become independent, we recommend you still include it. In this case use the Type of library as ICL (Independent Community Library). You may then omit this library from your list in future updates.

Status

The current operational status of the service point:

Open: Currently operational.
Closed (permanent): Permanently closed.
Closed (temporary): Temporarily closed (e.g. for refurbishment, relocation, or emergency).
Planned: Planned new library branch not yet opened.

Coordinates and Spatial Identifiers

Latitude and Longitude: Coordinates in WGS84 decimal degrees (e.g. 50.4124, -4.1345). Enables immediate mapping in web map tools without requiring geocoding.
Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN): The unique numeric identifier assigned by the local authority to the building unit, stored as an integer without leading zeros.

Statutory

All statutory libraries should be listed with Yes. Non-statutory service points are indicated with No.

Facility type

The physical type of service point (aligned with the Arts Council England taxonomy):

Static library: A permanent physical library building open to the public.
Static local history library: A dedicated physical local history or special collection library.
Archive: A public archive record office or heritage centre.
Mobile library: A mobile library vehicle base or stop coordination point.
Prison library: A library service operating within a prison or custodial establishment.

Type of library

The governance and operating model of the public library branch:

Code	Title	Description
LAL	Local authority library	Library building funded, run and managed by local authority staff
LAL-	Local authority library (-)	As LAL, but unstaffed, for example, a book drop
CL	Commissioned library	Running of the library building/service has been transferred from the council to a separate trust or organisation. The local authority are still accountable for the service.
CRL	Community run library	Library with some level of ongoing support from the council. Work according to a joint agreement such as a Service Level Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding or contract. Staff are volunteers, but some form of support is available. May or may not be counted as part of the statutory service.
ICL	Independent community library	Library that has been transferred to the management of a non local authority body, either community group or third party, which is outside the local authority network.

Staffed and Unstaffed hours

Staffed hours: Hours when library staff or trained personnel are present to assist visitors.
Unstaffed hours: Extended access hours where visitors access the space using automated systems (e.g. Open+ card and PIN access) without library staff present.
Hours are specified in 24-hour clock format (e.g. 09:00-17:00), with split sessions separated by commas (e.g. 09:00-12:00,13:00-17:00).
Weekly staffed hours / Weekly total hours: Numerical sum of regular hours open each week, providing rapid metrics for national benchmarking.
Automated access system: The automated access technology used to support visitors during unstaffed hours (e.g. Open+, Lyngsoe, Self-service kiosk).

Co-location

Libraries that share buildings with other community or public services should be indicated with Co-located: Yes.

In Co-located with, separate multiple co-located partners with a semicolon (;). To promote standardisation across services, use the Arts Council England categories as a controlled vocabulary, augmented with specific organisation names:

Archives
Arts centre
Care home / hostel
Catering / bars / pub
Civic (e.g. council customer services, town hall, registry office)
Community (e.g. community centre, village hall)
Faith buildings
Health (e.g. GP surgery, clinic)
Hotel
Industrial / business (e.g. enterprise centre)
Library (e.g. academic or partner library)
Museum / Gallery
Retail (e.g. post office, shop)
Schools & colleges
Universities & higher education
Other (e.g. police contact point, nursery)

Example: "Civic; Community; Council customer services; Pre-school nursery"

Wi-Fi Access

Guest wifi: Whether free public Wi-Fi is accessible to any visitor immediately without needing a library card/membership (Yes/No).
Member wifi: Whether Wi-Fi is provided that requires library membership (card number and PIN login) (Yes/No).

Facilities and Amenities

Public computers: Whether public access desktop PCs with internet are available for visitors (Yes/No).
Printing: Whether printing, photocopying, or document scanning is available for public use (Yes/No).
Meeting rooms: Whether meeting rooms, study rooms, or hireable community spaces are available (Yes/No).
Quiet study space: Whether dedicated quiet study spaces or desk carrels with power outlets are available (Yes/No).

Physical Accessibility

Step-free access: Level access or ramp/lift access for wheelchairs and pushchairs (Yes/No/Partial).
Accessible toilet: Whether an accessible wheelchair-friendly public toilet or Changing Places facility is available (Yes/No).
Hearing loop: Whether an induction loop / hearing loop system is installed for hearing aid users (Yes/No).

Facilities and Services

Facilities and services: A semicolon-separated list of all public amenities, services, and digital subscriptions available at the branch, directly supporting digital discovery platforms like LibraryOn (e.g. Books; Printing; Free Wi-Fi; Public computers; Findmypast; British Newspaper Archive; BFI Replay; Meeting rooms).

How the data is updated

Each service can maintain a single data file that is updated whenever details change. Closed libraries can be retained with Status Closed (permanent) and Year closed to preserve historical continuity.

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