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Luke Burton

@biblioluke.bsky.social
1.7K followers 944 following 129 posts

Director, Libraries at Arts Council England. Data, emerging tech, literacies, reading for pleasure and the joy of libraries. ‘Libraries gave us power.’ Personal views only.

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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
This is such a brilliant project bringing VR content and content creation to nine library services in England. @thespacearts.bsky.social
cilip.org.uk
Saving tech from the bros
What is the role of public libraries in developing technology? A new project aims to transform the way communities interact with digital creativity.
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Well that's a new playlist sorted! Fun and interesting piece by @martinoconnor.bsky.social. And a nice shout out for Get It Loud in Libraries. getitloudinlibraries.com
libfocus.com
Ten great Records about Libraries
I was recently asked to contribute to the Vinylthon Zine , part of Vinylthon 2025 — an annual celebration where radio stations around the wo...
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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 15/04/2025
Our webinar on the new Libraries Development Framework is now available to watch back in full. @biblioluke.bsky.social from Arts Council England, which will administer the Framework, takes you through the key questions. www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTlQ...
youtube.com
Launch of the Libraries Development Framework | Libraries Connected Webinars | 2025
YouTube video by Libraries Connected
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Interesting to read in this article that there still seems to be work to do in getting the message out about what a modern library service does/looks like and their offer to children and young people in the UK.
headliners.org
Why Don’t Young People Use Libraries Anymore? – Headliners
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Liz White @lizcwhite.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Looking for activities during the school holidays? Find out what’s on offer at your local library and customise your search by event type, distance and facilities (inc cafés) via #LibraryOn. Funded by @artscouncilengland.bsky.social and powered by @britishlibrary.bsky.social libraryon.org/events
A screenshot listing event types:

Arts, crafts and creative 
Authors and books
Business and Jobs
Culture
Digital and computers
Family activities 
Health and well-being 
History
Reading Groups
Seasonal
Social & Leisure
Story & Rhyme times
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The British Academy @britishacademy.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Register your interest for the Call for Discussion Papers: Global (Dis)Order. This is a paid commissioning opportunity allowing researchers to produce crucial evidence-based discussion papers on the topic of Global (Dis)Order. Find out more:
thebritishacademy.ac.uk
Call for Discussion Papers: Global (Dis)Order
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Interesting to read about @harvardlibrary.bsky.social's Collections Explorer will break through the limitations of keyword search to decipher the intent behind your words. It will allow you to ask questions and carry out your search in natural language.
news.harvard.edu
At Harvard Library, building a tool that understands — Harvard Gazette
New AI search system deciphers intent behind the terms — lets users ask questions.
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
📢 📢 Take a look English public libraries’ folk. The next round of the Libraries Improvement Fund is heading your way. The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) will open for expressions of interest on Tuesday 6 May 2025. Full guidance on @artscouncilengland.bsky.social’s website. 👇 👇
artscouncil.org.uk
Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) Round 4 Guidance for applicants
Guidance for applicants for the Libraries Improvement Fund round 4
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
"The key to engaging a broader range of families lies in building trust and collaborating with communities to understand their needs and aspirations." We often talk of libraries as open and accessible spaces but it is helpful to be reminded that this isn't always the case and there is work to do.
theconversation.com
Many families may not feel welcome at library storytimes – here’s how to ensure everyone benefits from them
Library reading sessions tend to be attended by families who already engage with books at home
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
More insightful, interesting and frankly just cool work being done by @librarieshacked.bsky.social with Lancashire County Council and their public libraries data
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Libraries Hacked @librarieshacked.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Released today on Library Storytelling - The membership of Lancashire Libraries. www.librarystorytelling.net/the-membersh... Lancashire were brilliant and open to exploring types of library usage, the deprivation levels alongside % population of membership, as well as the urban/rural divide.
A map of a part of Lancashire with areas shaded to show darker colours representing greater deprivation
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Libraries Hacked @librarieshacked.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Hopefully for anyone who likes a library data story @biblioluke.bsky.social @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social @lizcwhite.bsky.social @iainmoore.bsky.social "30% of registered PNET users reside in areas of the very highest deprivation ... A clear display of need being met by library services."
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
‘Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’, Maeshowe Visitor Centre from Friday 7 March to Sunday 25 May 2025. Entry to the exhibition is free and no booking is required. In case you needed any other excuses to visit Edinburgh and join the @natlibscot.bsky.social celebrations!
historicenvironment.scot
History of Scotland’s Libraries Explored in New Exhibition
Maeshowe Visitor Centre is today (Friday 7 March 2025) welcoming a brand-new exhibition celebrating Scotland’s libraries.
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Looking forward to heading to Exeter on Thursday to join @librariesunlimited.bsky.social's staff conference to hear more about the impact their libraries and library staff are having in the communities they support. #LetsCreate #ACEsupported
exetertoday.co.uk
Devon & Torbay Libraries generate millions
Libraries in Devon and Torbay delivered £23.9m in social value last year, supporting communities through health services, education, and cultural programmes
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
It’s party time at the wonderful Swiss Cottage Library celebrating the library’s 60th birthday on World Book Day! What a beautiful children’s library. Come and see it and the brilliant ‘Swiss at Sixty’ exhibition detailing the history of the library.
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Always helpful to have good quality, representative and insightful data, this time, to highlight the important role of libraries in digital access, equity and skills. Take a look at @lorensbergs.bsky.social Public Libraries 2024 survey results 👇
lorensbergs.co.uk
Public Libraries 2024: Netloan Survey Results - Lorensbergs
The latest results from the annual Netloan public library survey illustrate the importance of good access and support in how services are provided. The
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
“Over that time councils also made deep cuts to discretionary services – such as libraries and road maintenance.” Still a lot of work to do get the message out there. Libraries are not discretionary. They are statutory critical infrastructure with empathetic knowledgeable staff!
theguardian.com
Almost half of England’s councils ‘could face bankruptcy over £4.6bn deficit’
Damning National Audit Office report says action is needed to address deficit accumulated under Tory-era policy
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South Western Regional Library Services @swrls.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Our next Members' Day is looking good! Free to staff at all member orgs, where we'll talk about library advocacy, bibliotherapy & more. Guest speakers include Luke Burton (@biblioluke.bsky.social), Rebecca Bolton (Chair of Libraries Connected SW), & Tabitha Witherick (@tabisw.bsky.social) (1/2)
eventbrite.co.uk
Members' Day
SWRLS members are invited to register for free to join our event on Friday 25th June 2025, 10:30 - 15:00
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Simon Watts nails the vision for how libraries can support inclusive innovation by providing "a vibrant community workspace that would welcome a range of social demographics and support makers in their creative endeavors."
medium.com
IdeaSpace, a Makerspace Unlike Any Other
A story about an award-winning makerspace in Virginia
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Really interesting to see the UK government publishing the first steps of a new Digital Inclusion Action Plan. #Libraries, it's time to shout about the work you've all being doing to support digital inclusion!
dcmslibraries.blog.gov.uk
How public libraries break down barriers to digital inclusion
Today the government has set out actions to begin tackling digital exclusion, publishing first steps of a new Digital Inclusion Action Plan which includes funding for local initiatives and partnering ...
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
🎉🎉Congrats to all the successful recipients!
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Iain Moore @iainmoore.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
**Libraries Funding!** Great to see another round of LIF from arts council - capital funding for library buildings and tech. Has made some amazing library projects possible in the past so expecting some more great things from this round!
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
📢📢Take a look libraries people in England. A fourth round of the Libraries Improvement Fund worth £5.5 million is heading your way. It will enable public library services across England to upgrade buildings and technology. 👇👇
gov.uk
Major investment to boost growth and cement Britain’s place as cultural powerhouse
Over £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in major boost for growth
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Iain Moore @iainmoore.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
This is a fab list - but remember the best library is your local one! Get in there and see what they’re offering - it will be more than you expect!
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Quite the list of libraries and congrats to them all for making the regional and country finalists list!
thebookseller.com
The British Book Awards 2025 Library of the Year regional and country finalists announced
Manchester Libraries, Lambeth Libraries and Hertfordshire Libraries are among the 36 libraries selected as regional and country finalists for The British Book Awards 2025 Library of the Year.
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
A new edition of The Arts Dividend: How Investment in Culture Creates Happier Lives by @henleydarren.bsky.social has been published. Read this blog post on @artscouncilengland.bsky.social website to hear more from Darren.
artscouncil.org.uk
The Arts Dividend: How Investment in Culture Creates Happier Lives
Our Chief Executive Darren Henley speaks about the new edition of his book 'The Arts Dividend: How Investment in Culture Creates Happier Lives' and how it makes the case for investment in arts and cul...
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
"Staff working in galleries, libraries, archives and museums around the UK will soon be able to ask The National Archives for help funding community-led research projects, following a generous £1 million award by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)."
nationalarchives.gov.uk
The National Archives to establish new hub for community-led research in the cultural heritage sector - The National Archives
Staff working in galleries, libraries, archives and museums around the UK will soon be able to ask The National Archives for help funding community-led research projects, following a generous £1 milli...
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Sounds like a good way to celebrate your 100th year!
bbc.co.uk
West Sussex: VR project set up for library service's 100th year
West Sussex Library Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary since launching.
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
This is a wonderful read. An ode to libraries and great example of how libraries shape lives and careers. A constant companion. Thanks for sharing @aminatshah.bsky.social! @natlibscot.bsky.social
nls.uk
A life in libraries
From childhood visits to finding solace as a student, Amina's journey is a testament to the transformative power of these "lighthouses for the mind".
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Very much looking forward to the publication of AI and Information Access: Benefits, Challenges and Lessons by G. G. Chowdhury and Sudatta Chowdhury. Sounds timely, insightful and useful. Must keep an eye on the @facetpublishing.bsky.social website/newsletter!
facetpublishing.co.uk
AI and Information Access
Libraries and information services are constantly evolving and adapting to the capacity and capabilities offered by emerging technologies. With the emergence of Generative AI, the information sector w...
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
📣📣"CILIP is inviting researchers to undertake a gap analysis and consultation with sector experts to create a comprehensive review of training provision for leadership in the public library workforce in England."
cilip.org.uk
Invitation to tender: Future ready libraries
CILIP is inviting researchers to undertake a gap analysis and consultation with sector experts to create a comprehensive review of training provision for leadership in the public library workforce in England.
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Great to hear from @shelleytrower.bsky.social recently. It reminded me of the beautiful and insightful Living Libraries project she lead in 2019/20. I was lucky enough to be involved in a small way and it is still a wonderful window into libraries as seen by the people working in and using them.
livinglibraries.uk
Living Libraries
An AHRC-funded oral history of five UK public libraries, in the words of people who use, work in and run them.
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Comedy & Bluegrass About Strange Public Records @curtisraye.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
@biblioluke.bsky.social This is a comedy show for everyone, but especially those who enjoy history, journalism, libraries, banjos, archives or humor discovered in unusual places. I apologize for reaching out directly. But marketing in a foreign country is hard! Tix & Info: www.foialove.com
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
No doubt a lot of people already subscribe to the excellent, informative and comprehensive Public Libraries News from Ian Anstice. It drops in your mailbox on a Sunday and is a brilliant overview of libraries news worldwide but with a focus on the UK. Do yourself a favour and sign up!
publiclibrariesnews.com
Public Libraries News
What's happening to your library?
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Louis Coiffait-Gunn @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
New analysis shows borrowing eBooks encourages reading & boosts eBook sales. Much food for thought here for publishers #WinWin www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/report-... Bravo @librariesconnected.bsky.social @biblioluke.bsky.social @artscouncilengland.bsky.social #eBooks #publishers #libraries
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Amazing project and programme designed and lead by the wonderful team at @thespacearts.bsky.social with some fantastic library services demonstrating the ability of libraries to co-create rich dynamic cultural experiences in and for communities tailored to them. Really exciting stuff! #ACEsupported
artsprofessional.co.uk
The power of nine: Creating a community of digital practice in library services - Arts Professional
What happens to a library’s capacity for creative expression and innovation when knowledge is shared among nine services? asks The Space’s Fiona Morris, as she explores the opportunities within these ...
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Links to this research on @artscouncilengland.bsky.social and @librariesconnected.bsky.social websites exploring how elicencing conditions between publishers and libraries could be enhanced for mutual benefit. Also a survey on consumer behaviour in relation to borrowing eBooks and purchasing habits.
artscouncil.org.uk
Ebook lending in public libraries research
Have a look at the Ebook lending report
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Great day yesterday at Swiss Cottage Library to hear the final outcomes and get feedback on this really fascinating project. Great work by everyone involved and some really interesting insights. Check out the report! #ACEsupported @librariesconnected.bsky.social @artscouncilengland.bsky.social
librariesconnected.org.uk
Report: cheaper ebooks for libraries could "revolutionise the promotion of reading" | Libraries Connected
Publishers could open up important new promotional and reader development opportunities by making ebooks cheaper and more accessible to public libraries, according to a new report funded by Arts Counc...
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Can TikTok and Diversity address the 'historic low' in reading?
bbc.co.uk
Can TikTok and diversity address 'historic low' in reading?
The National literacy Trust say less than one in three children are regular readers.
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Iain Moore @iainmoore.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
At the glorious Swiss Cottage library hearing the outcomes of our e-licensing pilots. We’ve been looking at how different licensing models and collaboration between libraries, aggregators and publishers can improve the system for all
Katie Pekacar talking through the approach to evaluation
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
Find out how The British Library’s LibraryOn £1.5m grants programme has increased the digital impact of public libraries. #ACEsupported @artscouncilengland.bsky.social @britishlibrary.bsky.social
britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk
Knowledge Matters blog
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
'This Spring Cambridgeshire libraries will be once again filled with the sounds of delighted audiences of all ages enjoying the performances and workshops of The Library Presents.'
cambridgeshire.gov.uk
The Library Presents reveals its most adventurous line-up so far
This Spring Cambridgeshire libraries will be once again filled with the sounds of delighted audiences of all ages enjoying the performances and workshops of The Library Presents.
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
First Festival of Libraries in Bath & North East Somerset, looks like a great programme!
newsroom.bathnes.gov.uk
First Festival of Libraries in B&NES | Newsroom | Bath & North East Somerset Council
Afternoon tea with authors, creative writing workshops and drama performances are among the exciting line-up of events for Bath & North East Somerset Council’s first-ever Festival of Libraries next mo...
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
'In summary, libraries as spaces, based in local communities, staffed with information professionals, can support a wide range of public benefit goals.' Pretty much says it all really! Understanding Library Field Structures, interesting and thought provoking paper from @iflaglobal.bsky.social
repository.ifla.org
Understanding Library Field Structures
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), as part of its partnership with Stichting IFLA Global Libraries, wishes to develop the potential for libraries of all kind...
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Manchester Libraries are launching an official podcast. Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast. A snappy 40-minute magazine show, listeners can expect a treasure trove of insider tips to exclusive interviews, the latest news to book reviews, and so much more every month.
manchester.gov.uk
Manchester Libraries launch brand new monthly podcast … Full Volume! | Manchester City Council
Manchester Libraries launch brand new monthly podcast … Full Volume! - Manchester Libraries launch brand new monthly podcast … Full Volume!
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
“At its heart, the new music library is about giving people from all communities in Leeds a space to feel welcome, where they can come together, be creative and express themselves. Our aim is to become that cultural cornerstone of the city.” @leedscitycouncil.bsky.social
news.leeds.gov.uk
Library tunes up to create city’s dynamic new music facility
Music lovers have today been given their first look at the city’s new 21st century music centre at Leeds Central Library. Set to be a hit with the city’s budding recording artists, musicians and podca...
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
More good partnership working between libraries and the NHS attempting to bridge the digital, literacy and information divide.
england.nhs.uk
NHS England » Tackling digital exclusion and health literacy: How libraries can help bridge the gap
In today’s digital age, managing your health online should be easier than ever – yet for many, it’s still a challenge. Digital exclusion and low health literacy are significant barriers stopping peopl...
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Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
The words ‘transparency’, ‘trust’ and ‘confidence’ spring to mind. All of these feel critical if deploying new systems like this is going to be common. Although the other words that spring to mind are ‘should we?’. Public sector working is tough enough as it is at the moment.
theguardian.com
AI prototypes for UK welfare system dropped as officials lament ‘false starts’
Exclusive: Pilots for staff training, jobcentres and speeding up disability benefit payments not being taken up
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CAST - Centre for the Acceleration of Social Technology @techforgoodcast.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
💡Getting Started With AI: A new self-serve course. Keen to get to grips with AI, but not sure where to start? Sign up for our new course to receive weekly emails full of support & inspiration, helping you discover how AI can make your work life easier 👉 buff.ly/4gfaOEF
A graphic showing a person sat at a laptop, with the words: Getting started with AI - A free seven-week, self-serve course: familiarise yourself with AI - and discover how it can help make your work life easier.
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