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Libraries Building Communities

This report explores how public libraries connect with and engage their communities, particularly focusing on social inclusion for marginalized groups. It provides quantitative data on library usage across demographics and qualitative insights that highlight barriers to access. With profiles of 43 public libraries and their outreach efforts, it emphasizes the need for better engagement strategies and the importance of libraries in fostering community cohesion. The report concludes with recommendations to enhance library services and promote inclusivity among diverse populations.

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Libraries Building Communities

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  1. Libraries Building Communities Report 3 Bridging the Gaps

  2. Purpose of Report • Explore the extent to which public libraries connect and engage their communities • Emphasis on how libraries engage with those harder to reach ie disabled • Extend the analysis of Report 2 – Logging the Benefits • Explore in more detail libraries capacity for social inclusion

  3. Information Presented • Quantitative data • to demonstrate how well represented different groups are among library users • Qualitative information • that explains in peoples own words what encourages them to use their library or alternatively what the barriers to use are • Profiles 43 public libraries and compares this profile with demographic data for each area

  4. Data • Focus groups – users, non users, library staff • Telephone survey • Online survey • In depth interviews with key influencers (ie community leaders, politicians, members of CALD communities)

  5. Structure of Report • Who uses libraries? Who doesn’t? • Libraries as a vehicle for social inclusion • Barriers to social engagement • Reducing the barriers to social engagement • Conclusion

  6. Who uses libraries? • Usage is widespread across metropolitan and regional areas • 60% of population • 40-49; 60-69 & 70+ age groups • Low income earners (less than $400 per week) • Unemployed or part-time • Professionals, managers and administrators • Couples with dependent or non dependent children

  7. Who doesn’t • Correlates to life stage and access to alternative sources of information/entertainment • 15-19, under 30’s • High income earners (excess of $2000 per week) • Full-time employees • Couples without dependent children • Tradespeople/labourers

  8. Who uses libraries? Who doesn’t? • Well represented: • Mothers and children • Females • The elderly • Students • Unemployed • Some migrant groups • Under represented: • Working people • Minority CALD groups • Teenagers • Housebound • AATSI • Those without transport

  9. Libraries as a vehicle for social inclusion • Highly accessible and well-know • Resources and activities that meet peoples needs • Services that are respected for their quality • Welcoming environment that engenders confidence • Reach out to their communities • Resources directed to developing an understanding of the needs of their communities

  10. Barriers to social engagement • Institutional barriers • Materials that are not up to date, relevant or are inadequate • Inappropriate activities • Fines/charges • Opening hours • Staff attitudes and culture • Perceptions and Awareness • Image • Lack of awareness • Personal and Social factors • Ill heath, disability

  11. Barriers to social engagement • Infrastructure and environment • Physical design • Poor signage • Transport • Parking • Physical barriers • Lifestyle • Two-thirds of non users in this category • Alternative access facilities • Time poor

  12. Reducing the barriers to social engagement • Turn around the image • Communicate the right message • Diverse range of resources • Community resource and place for social interaction • Customer service • Libraries are for everyone • Create greater awareness • Make it easier and more comfortable for people to use the library

  13. Reducing the barriers to social engagement • Encourage disadvantaged social groups to use the library • Develop a better understanding of community needs • Understand information needs • Consultation • Active participation of residents in decision making • Partnerships with other community organisations

  14. Conclusion • Difficult task in addressing the conflicting needs/demands of different users • Within current constraints libraries have demonstrated success in: • Embracing a wide audience • Meeting the growing expectations from different segments of their communities • Being aware of potential barriers • Forging links with community organisations • Being active in community strengthening

  15. Conclusion • Within current constraints libraries have demonstrated success in (cont.): • Supporting the development of social capital by bringing the diversity of community together • Responding flexibly to community needs • Gathering data to assist in planning • Promoting their services to the community • Reach approximately 60% of population • Those missing out on services includes some of the most marginalised groups

  16. Conclusion • Realise the potential • Develop a clear and practical definition of what social inclusion means • Set service priorities • Establish what works and what does not (share success) • Remove barriers to use • Form partnerships within Council and the community • Provide staff with appropriate training and support • A long term agenda

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