Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the change in the number of librarians trained in digital skills from 2010 to date.

The UK Digital Strategy, published on 1 March 2017, highlights the role of libraries in improving digital inclusion by providing digital access, training and support for local communities. Since August 2014 over 16,500 library staff have enrolled on the 'Digital Information Skills for Library Workforce' course, funded by Arts Council England and the Society of Chief Librarians. This is an e-learning development programme designed to improve digital skills and confidence of library staff.