Blog December Post 6 - Tomorrow's Library

The future library trend continues into today's post as Victoria releases stage 1 of the Tomorrow's Library report.

The key finds state:

The environment in which public libraries operate is changing rapidly. It is challenging for public library services to keep pace with changes in technology and the phasing out of obsolescent technology. Identifying emerging trends and changes can be difficult, as is anticipating the impact on library usage, particularly for smaller services. There is an ad hoc approach to implementing new services. For example, some public libraries are providing commercially acquired ebooks while others are not.

The future of public library services is set to be exciting and innovative. To ensure public libraries remain valued and treasured public institutions, they must continue to adapt and evolve. At the same time, public libraries must continue to deliver high-quality services that meet the needs of their communities. It is important that public libraries position themselves to adequately embrace and meet the challenges of the future. 

The MAC concluded that the public library sector needs to increase collaboration and take a unified, strategic approach if it is to effectively adapt to the future and remain relevant in a globalised, digital world.

The statewide initiatives and responsibilities include:

·      Increase accessibility to a quality statewide collection developed and owned by local government.

·      Establish a statewide languages other than English (LOTE) collection.

·      Improve access to the statewide interlibrary loan service.

·      Expand the statewide courier system to more efficiently deliver interlibrary loan requests.

·      Develop a common platform for digital material consisting of two parts: access to downloadable ebooks and eresources and digitised local history and heritage material.

·      Establish a single library management system.

·      Investigate best value collection procurement options.

·      Establish common processing and cataloguing practices.

·      Deliver shelf-ready material directly to branches.

·      Install RFID readers at all public library services and tag all items in the statewide collection.

·      Develop one library card with local branding.

·      Develop a single discovery layer and integrated content management system.

·      Develop a Victorian Library app.

·      Establish a Victorian Library social media presence.

·      Investigate central procurement options for hardware (computers, tablets, eresources) and other services.

They also go on to talk about a statewide marketing approach.

These are all great ideas and I am wondering if other states will follow and do a review/report on their library services.