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.