Public libraries in Salford: a geographical analysis of provision and access

The provision of public libraries in a metropolitan area is evaluated using 1981 Census data. Measures of accessibility are computed and the access of particular potential user groups is highlighted and explored empirically. Proposals for further investment in library provision are examined using Census data on the distribution of potential users and location - allocation methods. Last, the extension of the approach to look at the spatial organisation of a mobile library service is demonstrated.