The library as the centre of the community

1. Justine Hyde Director, Library Services and Experience @justine_hyde The library as the centre of the community School Libraries Victoria Forum, Melbourne, 16 May 2014

2. "A library in the middle of a community is a cross between an emergency exit, a life raft and a festival. They are cathedrals of the mind; hospitals of the soul; theme parks of the imagination." Caitlin Moran, ’Libraries: Cathedrals of Our Souls’ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/caitlin-moran/libraries-cathedrals-of-o_b_2103362.html @justine_hyde

3. @justine_hyde

4. Value of public libraries to their communities • public libraries play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed (95%) • public libraries are important because they promote literacy and a love of reading (95%) • public libraries improve the quality of life in a community (94%) • public libraries provide many services people would have a hard time finding elsewhere (81%) Pew Research Centre (2013) ‘How Americans Value Public Libraries in Their Communities’ http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/12/11/libraries-in-communities/ @justine_hyde

5. The ties that bind us “…libraries are about freedom. Freedom to read, freedom of ideas, freedom of communication. They are about education… about entertainment, about making safe spaces, and about access to information…It's a place with librarians in it.” Neil Gaiman, ‘Why our future depends on libraries, reading and daydreaming’ http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/15/neil-gaiman-future-libraries-reading-daydreaming @justine_hyde

6. 21st Century challenges for libraries • The status of the global economy • Trends in business environment • Governments’ policy reforms and priorities • Consumer and customer preferences • Competitors (traditional and emerging) • New and emerging technologies • Relationships and partnerships including vendors • Costs and budgets Adapted from ‘Trends in the Library and Information Services Sector: Information Brief’, Robert McEntyre & Associates Pty Limited, March 2013 @justine_hyde

7. Responses to 21st Century challenges Place and Space • Refurbishing facilities • Investment in digital infrastructure • Large scale digitisation programs • Optimisation of content for multiple platforms and devices • Digital reform advocacy Collections and Content • Greater outreach and consultation • Reviewing the role and relevance of the library in the society Community Engagement @justine_hyde

8. Typical library responses to 21st Century challenges Access • Reduced opening hours but increased ‘digital access’ • New service models Collaboration • Increased collaboration and partnerships People and capabilities • ‘Digital library’ skills and capabilities • Increasing ‘service’ culture • Reduced services/ new service models • Increased user-pays • Increased focus on philanthropy and public-private partnerships Sustainable finances @justine_hyde

9. The Victorian Public Libraries 2030 Report www.plvn.net.au Victorian Public Libraries 2030Strategic Framework June 2013 @justine_hyde

10. Opportunities in 2030 @justine_hyde

11. Transforming the State Library of Victoria @justine_hyde Staff of the Melbourne Public Library, ca1896-98 State Library of Victoria

12. Transforming the State Library of Victoria @justine_hyde

13. How we developed our vision and strategy Strategic insight Community feedback Public library context A unique and compelling vision, strategy and set of priorities for the State Library of Victoria Staff feedback Best practice Segment analysis SLV capabilities The Act & stakeholder input Unique Assets of The SLV @justine_hyde

14. Evolution of the State Library of Victoria vision … TO A place where all Victorians can Discover, Learn, Create and Connect A cultural and heritage hub for Victorians A leader in the discovery of information, enabling the generation of new knowledge and ideas • FROM … • Victorians will have ready access to a comprehensive collection of Victorian documentary material and to worldwide information resources to enrich their cultural, educational, social and economic lives Enable community learning, connection, and creativity Enable access & research Maintain cultural heritage @justine_hyde

15. Motivations for Library use • Seek knowledge, ideas and enlightenment • Advance through specialised knowledge • DISCOVER Connect Learn • MASTER • SOLVE Find answers, solve problems, do things • INSPIRE • REVIVE Inspire creative thought Pause, relax, reflect and recharge @justine_hyde

16. Market segments Culture seeker Young learner Tertiary student • DISCOVER Connect Learn Researcher Information seeker • MASTER • SOLVE Enthusiast Facilities user Contributor • INSPIRE • REVIVE Lounger Creative @justine_hyde

17. What would students like at the State Library? • more books for children, music materials, historical content, paintings, statues • apps • a bank of iPads • aholiday club • sports activities • robotics and science activities • competitions and plays • children’s spaces • resident magician @justine_hyde

18. 7 building blocks supporting our strategy Community Engagement Collections and Content Place and Space Access Collaboration People and capabilities Sustainable financials and funding @justine_hyde

19. Digital strategy – shift in thinking @justine_hyde

20. Redesigning our service model @justine_hyde

21. Our service design principles • The collection is at the heart of the library • The library is a place for everyone • Make the entire collection accessible to the public • Services should be available physically and digitally • Connect customers with the right expertise at their point of need • Empower customers to serve themselves and others • Actively monitor and measure customer interactions and adjust our services • Charge for our services where appropriate, and charge appropriately for our services @justine_hyde

22. @justine_hyde