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Libraries Building Communities
Report 3
Bridging the Gaps
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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