Equitable access: overcoming barriers in Swiss libraries to enhance social and economic sustainability

Context

Libraries are important institutions for achieving social sustainability, as they provide access to information and knowledge, enhance social inclusion, and empower individuals and communities. People are at the core of society, interconnected with the environment and the economy's well-being. This makes it vital for businesses to ensure their impact on people is positive. In the current polycrisis, where numerous crises must be addressed simultaneously, a transdisciplinary approach is required. While libraries are increasingly forced to put an economic value on their business, it is important to emphasise that they can play a crucial role in social development, making it essential to improve the quality and inclusivity of these institutions.

Goals

The aim of this thesis is to examine the barriers that limit equitable access to Swiss public libraries and their impact on social and financial sustainability, and to bridge the gap in existing research. It will also propose solutions to overcome these barriers. This research is not intended to criticise public libraries, but rather to support the further development of their sustainable practices and their core goal of providing equitable access to information.

Thus, the main question to be researched is: "How do barriers limit equitable access to Swiss public libraries, and how can removing these barriers support libraries’ social and economic sustainability goals?"

 The questions that ensue are:

• What role do public libraries play in promoting social and economic sustainability?
• What are the most significant barriers to library access?
• Are certain groups more affected by specific barriers (underserved groups)?
• Which solutions are most likely to improve equitable access?

Methods

This research takes an exploratory, mixed-methods approach. It begins with a literature review to provide a theoretical framework, followed by an exploratory survey to identify potential barriers to accessing public libraries in Switzerland. Building on the findings of the literature review and survey, two interviews were conducted with library professionals to examine the current state of equitable access and the feasibility of potential solutions.

Results

The results show that inclusion and equity are at the core of the library. However, barriers to accessing the library still exist, which can be categorised as policy, physical, perceptual and cultural and structural barriers. One of the most significant policy barriers identified was opening hours, though libraries are already addressing this issue by implementing extended opening hours. Physical and perceptual barriers, such as distance to the library, limited space and the perception that the library is outdated, were also prominent. Cultural and structural barriers appeared less frequently in the survey, but the interviews highlighted issues around staff diversity and inclusion. These barriers underline the importance of implementing universal design, staff training and user participation to improve equitable access to libraries.

These findings consolidate the rather scattered research on the topic, providing a clearer understanding of equitable access in the Swiss context. They also highlight the need for further research on access barriers in libraries and similar institutions, particularly with regard to underserved communities.