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Libraries Building Communities

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

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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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