Mapping differences in access to public libraries by travel mode and time of day

Public libraries strive to provide everyone in their surrounding communities the ability to access their information and services. However, previous research indicates that the closer someone lives to a library, the more likely they are to visit, while reduced proximity can dissuade or even prevent people from visiting. This study extends upon existing research on spatial access to libraries to detail a methodology for measuring how access can differ temporally, either by time of day or by the day of the week, as well as by available travel mode. This is exemplified in a case study of access to libraries in Regina, Canada, finding that those who are reliant on public transit have substantially less access to public libraries than those with a private car. Results also show that travelling to libraries during the morning, evening, or weekend takes longer, on average, than during weekday afternoons due to reduced opening hours.