Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Consultation Workshop #6

1. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Consultation Workshop #6 Brisbane, 11 April 2016 Ian Phillips and Carol Oxley, I & J Management Services

2. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Project brief • APLA and ALIA have co-funded development of public library standards and guidelines (S&G) to assist local governments to plan and benchmark their library services. • Current S&G were last updated in 2012. Time to review relevance and accuracy, and to reflect changes in libraries’ business practices. • In the past, libraries have relied on quantitative throughput measures to measure success. More rigorous arguments for library funding and enhanced strategy development require evidence of the impact that library services have on people’s lives and the value added to the community. Slide 2

3. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Project objectives • Review public library S&G for relevance and accuracy. As a priority, in relation to: • library collections • staffing numbers/levels • library building standards • Develop standard outcome indicators for commonly provided public library services to ensure consistent measuring and reporting. • community engagement • early childhood development • economic and workforce development • budget (operating, salary, capital) • technology and other web-based services. • life-long learning • technology/digital inclusion. Slide 3

4. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Project methodology/process • Desktop research on public library S&G – in Australia and overseas • Desktop research on approaches to outcomes measurement • Draft Framework for scoping and defining SG&O • Survey of public libraries on use and value of S&G, and areas for improvement • Consultation workshops (ACT, Vic, SA, NSW, WA, Qld) • Interviews with library experts • Reflect, draft and revise SG&O • Completed May 2016. Slide 4

5. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Workshop outline • Welcome and Introduction 15 min • Project background • Research findings 20 min • Observations on current S&G • Putting the S&G in context 10 min • A Framework for thinking 30 min • Scope of current S&G • Priorities for improvement 50 min • Including Break and report back • Defining the impact of public libraries 45 min • Close 5 min Slide 5

6. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Current standards and guidelines – a platform for improvement National • ALIA/PLA, Towards a Quality Service (1990 reprinted 1994). • Beyond a Quality Service (1st ed. 2011; 2nd ed. 2012). State • NSW, Living Learning Libraries (1st ed. 2008; 6th ed. 2015). • Library Board of Queensland, Standards for Queensland Public Libraries (1st ed.1986; 2nd ed. 1997). • People places: Guide for NSW public library buildings (3rd ed. 2012). • QLD public library standards and guidelines (since 2007). • Victoria, Being the best we can, Framework/toolkit, 2011. • WA, Standards of Measure and Performance – Report. Slide 6

7. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Research findings – Management Strategy and management • Public libraries are focusing on the strategic context in which they operate and issues around library management and leadership • S&G are being used to encourage library managers to take a more structured and deliberate approach to management. Program development • Prioritising and planning for services and programs that meet the demonstrated needs of their community • Questioning what approach is required in terms of design, development and implementation of effective library programs • Developing programs in cooperation with users, and where appropriate key workers in the community (e.g. youth workers). Slide 7

8. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Research findings – Technology Managing and exploiting technology • Acknowledgement that technology now permeates public library work and is complex to manage. Guidelines are being revised to give this more attention and ensure that risks are managed effectively and stable funding is available for IT replacement/upgrade. • Essential to have policy framework governing technology and use. • Library needs to be ‘ahead of the game’ by demonstrating an interest in new trends and emerging technology through research, studies or the application of emerging technologies in their programming, services or staff training. • Libraries becoming increasingly recognised for promoting digital literacy. This role is growing as more people in the community have access to mobile devices. Libraries are looking at better definition of the service offering in this area and what skills staff require. Slide 8

9. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Research findings – Quality and value Profiling of staff skills • The sufficiency of educated and competent library staff being given greater weight as a key indicator of the quality of library services. • Emphasis is on the organisation of library administration so that decision-making is supported by the highest library expertise and competence. Improved accountability • The library’s service and cost structure, financial performance and productivity are being monitored with versatile indicators. Evaluation • Being used to monitor implementation, quality and cost-effectiveness of library and information services. Focus is on self-evaluation, and in some cases peer review. Slide 9

10. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Research findings – Outward focus Partnerships • Collaborating and partnering with other community organisations to provide the services communities need. • Working in consortia with other libraries (e.g. material acquisitions). Customer perspective • Adopting new approaches to ensure users and the community are actively engaged in service development and design. • Providing greater opportunities for feedback, and encouraging young people and children to be part of this. Connection to government • Linking to government policy priorities. • Involvement of senior library staff on government boards and committees. Slide 10

11. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes A context for library G&S Context • Massive demographic change colliding with huge technological growth and significant social change (McCrindle).Will in turn require changes in library places/spaces, the role/work of library staff and skills require. • Libraries will also contribute to their community’s economic and social wellbeing by delivering on their purpose in new and innovative ways. Trends • Managing deluge of unfiltered information • Community need for literacies of all types • New information technology • Programs and partnerships • The public library as a community and creative space • Globalization and the quest for local identity and culture. Slide 11

12. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes A context for library G&S Stability in the midst of change • Stability in underlying core library principles (e.g. equality of access for all expressed in the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto). Slide 12

13. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Current standards and guidelines • Current 2012 S&G have greatest coverage on physical collections, staffing, service points and service offerings. • When considering the full scope of library planning, development and provision in 2016 and beyond, the S&G: • are operationally focused and do not sufficiently consider the strategic context in which public libraries operate (e.g. governance and management, alignment with demonstrated community needs) • do not adequately address planning, resource and technology management, community engagement, partnerships and evaluation • do not reflect recent technology developments • do not have an organizing framework that clearly demonstrates what is covered and why different pieces sit together • do not address the outcomes of library service provision. Slide 13

14. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Principles in developing G&S • Relevant and accurate: Deal with the reality of service provision, what is – rather than visions of what might be. Possible and realistic goals. • Comprehensive: Encompass all necessary aspects of public library operations and outcomes. • Current: Keep pace with trends through regular review. • Transparent, open and impartial: Developed with the knowledge, engagement and agreement of all interested parties. Don’t give preference to characteristics or requirements of a specific jurisdiction. • Coherent and consistent: Logically connected, structured and easily understood. • Referenced: (Where possible) Referenced to international/state G&S. • Future and outward looking: Recognise how trends might impact libraries over next 5+ years. Link to government policies and priorities. Slide 14

15. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes A conceptual Framework • Objectives • Principles • Guidelines • Standards (as appropriate). • Strategic community focus • Public library services • Management • Offering • Delivery • Individual and community outcomes. Slide 15

16. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Slide 16

17. Principles Guidelines Standards / Measures Objectives AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC LIBRARY GUIDELINES, STANDARDS AND OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK STRATEGIC COMMUNITY FOCUS Public libraries work actively with their communities to provide services that are responsive to service needs and build individual and community capacity Reflect community needs/aspirations Ensure access for all Champion the community’s cultural identity Engage community in shaping library services Create partnerships to build community resilience and capacity PUBLIC LIBRARIES • INDIVIDUAL and COMMUNITY OUTCOMES • Literacy and learning • Early years, youth and adult literacy • Language literacy • Digital literacy • Life skills / Work readiness • Connections • Social networks • Digital inclusion • Community engagement • Personal wellbeing and development • Informed • Confident • Well • Stronger communities • Inclusive • Resilient • Active citizens • Creative industries SERVICE MANAGEMENT SERVICE OFFERING SERVICE DELIVERY • Governance • Board • Strategic plan • Advocacy • Management • Policy and planning • Human resources management • Financial and asset management • Technology management • Marketing and public relations • Monitoring and evaluation • Perspective • Funders’ and management priorities • Content/Collections • General and specialist • Local studies, heritage, culture • Digital • Information services • Programs and reader development • Literacy • Learning • Creative, cultural • Technology awareness, digital literacy • Technology access • Computers • Internet and wifi • Place (physical and digital) • Read and relax • Study and work • Meet and connect • Collaborate and create • Service points • Branches (incl. opening hours) • Mobile libraries • Website and online services • Outreach services • Staffing • Staffing levels • Skills, qualifications • Funding • Operating • Capital • Sustainability • Partnership and collaboration • Community • Government • Education and business • Library sector • Customer service

18. Principles Guidelines Standards / Measures Objectives AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC LIBRARY GUIDELINES, STANDARDS AND OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK STRATEGIC COMMUNITY FOCUS Public libraries work actively with their communities to provide services that are responsive to service needs and build individual and community capacity Reflect community needs/aspirations Ensure access for all Champion the community’s cultural identity Engage community in shaping library services Create partnerships to build community resilience and capacity PUBLIC LIBRARIES • INDIVIDUAL and COMMUNITY OUTCOMES • Literacy and learning • Early years, youth and adult literacy • Language literacy • Digital literacy • Life skills / Work readiness • Connections • Social networks • Digital inclusion • Community engagement • Personal wellbeing and development • Informed • Confident • Well • Stronger communities • Inclusive • Resilient • Active citizens • Creative industries SERVICE MANAGEMENT SERVICE OFFERING SERVICE DELIVERY • Governance • Board • Strategic plan • Advocacy • Management • Policy and planning • Human resources management • Financial and asset management • Technology management • Marketing and public relations • Monitoring and evaluation • Perspective • Funders’ and management priorities • Content/Collections • General and specialist • Local studies, heritage, culture • Digital • Information services • Programs and reader development • Literacy • Learning • Creative, cultural • Technology awareness, digital literacy • Technology access • Computers • Internet and wifi • Place (physical and digital) • Read and relax • Study and work • Meet and connect • Collaborate and create • Service points • Branches (incl. opening hours) • Mobile libraries • Website and online services • Outreach services • Staffing • Staffing levels • Skills, qualifications • Funding • Operating • Capital • Sustainability • Partnership and collaboration • Community • Government • Education and business • Library sector • Customer service

19. Principles Guidelines Standards / Measures Objectives AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC LIBRARY GUIDELINES, STANDARDS AND OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK STRATEGIC COMMUNITY FOCUS Public libraries work actively with their communities to provide services that are responsive to service needs and build individual and community capacity Reflect community needs/aspirations Ensure access for all Champion the community’s cultural identity Engage community in shaping library services Create partnerships to build community resilience and capacity PUBLIC LIBRARIES • INDIVIDUAL and COMMUNITY OUTCOMES • Literacy and learning • Early years, youth and adult literacy • Language literacy • Digital literacy • Life skills / Work readiness • Connections • Social networks • Digital inclusion • Community engagement • Personal wellbeing and development • Informed • Confident • Well • Stronger communities • Inclusive • Resilient • Active citizens • Creative industries SERVICE MANAGEMENT SERVICE OFFERING SERVICE DELIVERY • Governance • Board • Strategic plan • Advocacy • Management • Policy and planning • Human resources management • Financial and asset management • Technology management • Marketing and public relations • Monitoring and evaluation • Perspective • Funders’ and management priorities • Content/Collections • General and specialist • Local studies, heritage, culture • Digital • Information services • Programs and reader development • Literacy • Learning • Creative, cultural • Technology awareness, digital literacy • Technology access • Computers • Internet and wifi • Place (physical and digital) • Read and relax • Study and work • Meet and connect • Collaborate and create • Service points • Branches (incl. opening hours) • Mobile libraries • Website and online services • Outreach services • Staffing • Staffing levels • Skills, qualifications • Funding • Operating • Capital • Sustainability • Partnership and collaboration • Community • Government • Education and business • Library sector • Customer service

20. Principles Guidelines Standards / Measures Objectives AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC LIBRARY GUIDELINES, STANDARDS AND OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK STRATEGIC COMMUNITY FOCUS Public libraries work actively with their communities to provide services that are responsive to service needs and build individual and community capacity Reflect community needs/aspirations Ensure access for all Champion the community’s cultural identity Engage community in shaping library services Create partnerships to build community resilience and capacity PUBLIC LIBRARIES • INDIVIDUAL and COMMUNITY OUTCOMES • Literacy and learning • Early years, youth and adult literacy • Language literacy • Digital literacy • Life skills / Work readiness • Connections • Social networks • Digital inclusion • Community engagement • Personal wellbeing and development • Informed • Confident • Well • Stronger communities • Inclusive • Resilient • Active citizens • Creative industries SERVICE MANAGEMENT SERVICE OFFERING SERVICE DELIVERY • Governance • Board • Strategic plan • Advocacy • Management • Policy and planning • Human resources management • Financial and asset management • Technology management • Marketing and public relations • Monitoring and evaluation • Perspective • Funders’ and management priorities • Content/Collections • General and specialist • Local studies, heritage, culture • Digital • Information services • Programs and reader development • Literacy • Learning • Creative, cultural • Technology awareness, digital literacy • Technology access • Computers • Internet and wifi • Place (physical and digital) • Read and relax • Study and work • Meet and connect • Collaborate and create • Service points • Branches (incl. opening hours) • Mobile libraries • Website and online services • Outreach services • Staffing • Staffing levels • Skills, qualifications • Funding • Operating • Capital • Sustainability • Partnership and collaboration • Community • Government • Education and business • Library sector • Customer service

21. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Current G&S in this Framework G – Guideline S - Standard STRATEGIC COMMUNITY FOCUS Public libraries work actively with their communities to provide services that are responsive to service needs and build individual and community capacity Reflect community needs/aspirations Ensure access for all Champion the community’s cultural identity Engage community in shaping library services Create partnerships to build community resilience and capacity PUBLIC LIBRARIES • INDIVIDUAL and COMMUNITY OUTCOMES • Literacy and learning • Early years, youth and adult literacy • Language literacy • Digital literacy • Life skills / Work readiness • Connections • Social networks • Digital inclusion • Community engagement • Personal wellbeing and development • Informed • Confident • Well • Stronger communities • Inclusive • Resilient • Active citizens • Creative industries SERVICE MANAGEMENT SERVICE OFFERING SERVICE DELIVERY S2 S3 S9 G15-19 S12 G5 G8 • Governance • Board • Strategic plan • Advocacy • Management • Policy and planning • Human resources management • Financial and asset management • Technology management • Marketing and public relations • Monitoring and evaluation • Perspective • Funders’ and management priorities • Content/Collections • General and specialist • Local studies, heritage, culture • Digital • Information services • Programs and reader development • Literacy • Learning • Creative, cultural • Technology awareness, digital literacy • Technology access • Computers • Internet and wifi • Place (physical and digital) • Read and relax • Study and work • Meet and connect • Collaborate and create • Service points • Branches (incl. opening hours) • Mobile libraries • Website and online services • Outreach services (incl. home libraries) • Staffing • Staffing levels • Skills, qualifications • Funding • Operating • Capital • Sustainability • Partnership and collaboration • Community • Government • Education and business • Library sector • Customer service G4 S7 S8 S10 G13 G12 G1 G7 G20 G9 G3 S4 S5 G14 S1 S6 G11 G6 S11 G2 G10

22. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Priorities for improvement – Activity • Identify priorities for development / re-development of guidelines and standards. • Consider … • Strategic community focus • Governance • Management • Content/collections • Information services • Programs (e.g. literacy, learning, cultural) • Technology access • Places and spaces (incl. branches, mobiles) • Outreach and online services • Staffing • Funding • Partnerships and collaboration Slide 22

23. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Research findings – Shift to outcomes Outcomes measurement • In past 3 years a significant international body of work on outcomes measurement has been developing (e.g. Project Outcomes in USA, UK Public library impact measures). • Why? To improve services and programs over time. To support planning and achievement of library goals. To make an even stronger case for funding and partnerships. • Continuous improvement approach being used. • Starting small – different library systems have chosen to initially focus their outcomes work on specific issues (e.g. early childhood literacy, digital inclusion). • Maturity in the extent and effectiveness of outcome measurement is expected to build over time. Slide 23

24. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Principles in developing outcomes measures • Meaningful: Provide information that is needed. • Clearly defined: Well-defined and simple to understand. Data is easy to collect. • Reliable: Produce consistent findings. • Cost effective: Balance cost of collection with usefulness of the data. • Client-focused: Allow outcomes to be understood in the context of individual and community circumstances and need. • Attributable: Allow assessment of how much of any change can be attributed to a particular organisation, program or service. Measures of the difference that services and programs make in the lives of individuals and the wellbeing of the community. Slide 24

25. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Defining the impact of libraries – Activity • Imagine a ‘vision of success’ … What does it look like when it works? • How does the presence of a library and the services it provides enhance individual and community outcomes? • Consider … • literacy and life-long learning, including early childhood development • community engagement • technology/digital inclusion • personal development and wellbeing • stronger and more creative communities • economic and workforce development. Slide 25

26. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes For example – Story Time • What does it look like when it works? • Sound educational underpinning • Fun and enjoyable for all participants • Models effective reading behaviours to children and their family members or carers • Competent, passionate presenters and story-based activities • Impact on/Outcomes for children, families and community • Increased parental confidence in reading/storytelling in the home • Increased access to and use of library collections and services • Foster a love of reading among children • Improved early years’ literacy and school-readiness. Objective What libraries aim to do Outcome progression Short-term Long-term • Parent survey • You learned something you can share with your child • You feel more confident to help your child learn • You (will) spend more time reading, talking and singing with your child • AEDI (as measure of school readiness) Measures (for example) Slide 26

27. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Thank you • Project completed May 2016. Slide 27

29. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Current standards and guidelines Slide 29

30. Australian Public Library Standards, Guidelines and Outcomes Current standards and guidelines Slide 30