In 2014/15, EIFL commissioned research into how and why public libraries innovate, and what works best in encouraging take-up of innovation by public libraries in developing countries.

Researchers surveyed a total of 120 people, who were mainly directors of libraries or the persons in charge of new library services. They also conducted in-depth interviews with library leaders (directors of library systems or networks, leaders of library associations).

The study found that “willingness to make the library more relevant to the community”, and librarians’ “personal satisfaction“ in being useful to the community were important factors motivating innovation. The third key motivator was “additional funding and library infrastructure advancement”.

The research was led by external evaluator Ana María García Femenía, PhD. Other contributors were Qualitative Research Specialist Renata Sadunisvili, Master of Sociology, and EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme Impact Manager, Ugne Lipeikaite.