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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?
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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