Abstract

In 2012 Spanish libraries were still affected by the economic crisis, as indicated by the negative trends observed in published statistical data. Simultaneously, the data show that libraries are one of the most valued public services. Although budget constraints do not allow to take advantage of new media and technology tools, such as e-book or mobile applications, there is evidence of considerable effort by Spanish library professionals to make libraries places to meet, read, inform and learn, which increased the activities offered and the number of people visiting the library.