Case studies

Here you will find a collection of case studies demonstrating how local authorities are using libraries to improve the lives of their residents.

This case study explains how Southampton City Libraries became a Library of Sanctuary in October 2020. This case study explains how Southampton City Libraries became a Library of Sanctuary in October 2020. This case study forms part of the Culture Hub.

Libraries faced an unprecedented demand for their services during lockdown. Libraries Connected estimate that libraries made 5 million additional digital loans and loaned 3.5 million more e-books than usual in this period.

Following an extensive period of public consultation in 2014/15 about proposed changes to the North Yorkshire County Council Library Service the decision was made in July 2015 to implement the strategy.

Often due to pressures and trouble identifying someone at the home who could carry out assessments, it took up to a week for a home to visit. Lincolnshire introduced a care home trusted assessor role, which would not only enable assessments to be carried out more quickly, but would also help to develop relationships and trust across the system. This example of a local initiative forms part of our managing transfers of care resource.

When Lincolnshire County Council began to map the complex factors that lead to childhood obesity; from food availability and marketing, transport choices and social norms to activity levels and deprivation, the intricate diagram of causal loops was a powerful visual illustration that a whole systems approach was necessary.

Lincolnshire County Council are faced with the challenge of working across a large and dispersed county. By creating strategic alliances, they have developed provision that enables them to meet their skills and employment challenges. This case study examines the current system, and what is needed to improve outcomes for the local community.

The NHS and county council in Lincolnshire have worked with partners to use social media and the local press to get the message out there about the importance of self care. It has helped reach thousands of local people. This forms part of our resource on self care.

Lincolnshire County Council have sought a different way to support their care experienced children with their mental health. Knowing that there are sometimes long waiting times for specialist support, the council identified a way to support social work staff to hold the mental health and emotional wellbeing needs of care associated children.