Effects of the economic crisis on Spanish libraries

Abstract

Libraries in Spain, like other institutions, have been affected by the economic crisis. The effects and their consequences are studied in this paper, based on available library statistics. A significant decrease in expenditure for materials, the downgrading of collections, library closures and a growing increase in usage were observed in 2012. Changes in content consumption habits are also highlighted, with special attention to adaptations to digital change. Facts 2012: the operating costs of Spanish libraries amounted to 990.1 million euros (+0.54% compared to 2010); if the increase in the CPI is taken into account, the cost increase is actually 5%. Personnel expenses represent 66.9%. Public libraries (PLs) reported 594 fewer employees than in 2010 and there were 154 fewer in academic libraries (-5.6% and -2.6%, respectively). The PLs incorporated 3.5 million volumes (-31.2% compared to 2010). Visits to libraries: Total 216.4 million (in PLs +20.5% / 2010); 401 libraries (20%) did not have computers for public use and 46.5% had no opac yet.