reviewofvictorianpubliclibrariesstage1report.docVIP

Review of Victorian Public Libraries Stage 1 Report December 2012 Contents 1 Foreword 3 2 Executive Summary 5 Overview 6 Key findings 6 The Victorian Library 7 Benefits of the Victorian Library 8 Positioning public libraries for the future 9 Next steps 9 3 Tomorrow’s Library Review 10 3.1 The review 11 3.2 Today’s library 16 3.3 The changing environment 19 3.4 Future trends 22 3.5 Submissions and contributions 26 3.6 Tomorrow’s library 37 4 The Victorian Library 39 4.1 What is the Victorian Library? 40 4.2 Creating the Victorian Library 43 4.3 Initiatives and responsibilities 44 4.4 Positioning public libraries for the future 49 4.5 Benefits of the Victorian Library 51 5 Next Steps 53 6 Appendix 54 1. Victorian Public Library Review Process Map 55 2. Consultation Report 58 3. Submissions and Contributions Report 76 4. Today’s Library Report 159 5. Future Trends Public Libraries Report 164 6. Opportunities – Collaboration and Procurement Report 171 Foreword This report contains the findings of the first stage of the landmark review of public libraries being undertaken by the Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries (MAC), and the recommendations that have subsequently been developed by the MAC. Over recent decades, the Victorian community has changed dramatically: from the industries we work in, to the number of children we are having, the languages spoken at home and the places we are living. This rapid rate of change looks set to continue in the coming years. Throughout these changes, Victoria’s public libraries have remained vital community assets that, along with society, have evolved and adapted over time. Historically, the public library was a repository of knowledge and a home for books. The traditional public library of yesterday can conjure up images of a staid place. The public library of today, however, is a very different story. What was once a place of silent soli