Libraries Strategy

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Consultation has concluded

Update May 2022

Council would like to thank the 130 Participants who provided feedback in this consultation.

The Community Engagement Outcomes Report was presented to Council on Tuesday 24 May. This Report is in the Council meeting agenda available here on pages 71 - 133 with the actual Community Engagement Outcomes Report on pages 79 - 115.

Council resolved:

1. That the report be received and noted.

2. To receive and note the Draft Libraries Strategy – Community Engagement Outcomes Report contained in Appendix 1.

3. With an effective date of 7 June 2022, to adopt the Libraries Strategy, as contained in Appendix 2.

4. That the Chief Executive Officer be authorised to make any formatting, nomenclature or other minor changes to the Libraries Strategy prior to publication.

The final Libraries Strategy can be accessed here.


Background

In 2019, Council undertook a service review which identified the need for a strategy to set the direction for library services.

The review highlighted that the role, purpose and value of modern public libraries has been reimagined as a result of the emergence of information technology and the reconfiguration of libraries as flexible community spaces.

Public libraries have seen many changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been periods of library closure, fewer in-person visits and capacity limits on programs and activities. In contrast, there has been an increase in demand for digital content and resources and for home delivery services.

Library spaces and technology have remained popular for working and studying. Despite capacity limits, programs and activities for children have continued to be well-attended and remain important opportunities for social connection and literacy development.

Our libraries need to be responsive to these trends while providing services that are relevant, add value and match community expectations.

The Draft Libraries Strategy

The Draft Libraries Strategy has been developed with the above considerations in mind and is aligned with Council’s Strategic Plan, A Brighter Future: Strategic Plan 2021-24, particularly the goal and priorities around community wellbeing.

This Strategy has been developed with the input of the Council’s dedicated libraries team following consultation with key stakeholders. It incorporates valuable feedback from previous community surveys which were undertaken as part of the library services review.

Adelaide Hills Council is undertaking this consultation to engage the wider community, library users and other interested parties to ensure it is able to meet the needs of the community.

You can Have Your Say by providing your feedback:

  1. Using the online feedback form below
  2. Emailing engage@ahc.sa.gov.au
  3. Mailing to Community Engagement Coordinator, PO Box 44, Woodside SA 5244
  4. Phoning 8408 0400
  5. Collecting a hardcopy feedback form from any Council Service Centre or Library at Stirling, Gumeracha or Woodside.

For feedback to be considered it must be received by Council no later than 4pm, Tuesday 3 May 2022

Update May 2022

Council would like to thank the 130 Participants who provided feedback in this consultation.

The Community Engagement Outcomes Report was presented to Council on Tuesday 24 May. This Report is in the Council meeting agenda available here on pages 71 - 133 with the actual Community Engagement Outcomes Report on pages 79 - 115.

Council resolved:

1. That the report be received and noted.

2. To receive and note the Draft Libraries Strategy – Community Engagement Outcomes Report contained in Appendix 1.

3. With an effective date of 7 June 2022, to adopt the Libraries Strategy, as contained in Appendix 2.

4. That the Chief Executive Officer be authorised to make any formatting, nomenclature or other minor changes to the Libraries Strategy prior to publication.

The final Libraries Strategy can be accessed here.


Background

In 2019, Council undertook a service review which identified the need for a strategy to set the direction for library services.

The review highlighted that the role, purpose and value of modern public libraries has been reimagined as a result of the emergence of information technology and the reconfiguration of libraries as flexible community spaces.

Public libraries have seen many changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been periods of library closure, fewer in-person visits and capacity limits on programs and activities. In contrast, there has been an increase in demand for digital content and resources and for home delivery services.

Library spaces and technology have remained popular for working and studying. Despite capacity limits, programs and activities for children have continued to be well-attended and remain important opportunities for social connection and literacy development.

Our libraries need to be responsive to these trends while providing services that are relevant, add value and match community expectations.

The Draft Libraries Strategy

The Draft Libraries Strategy has been developed with the above considerations in mind and is aligned with Council’s Strategic Plan, A Brighter Future: Strategic Plan 2021-24, particularly the goal and priorities around community wellbeing.

This Strategy has been developed with the input of the Council’s dedicated libraries team following consultation with key stakeholders. It incorporates valuable feedback from previous community surveys which were undertaken as part of the library services review.

Adelaide Hills Council is undertaking this consultation to engage the wider community, library users and other interested parties to ensure it is able to meet the needs of the community.

You can Have Your Say by providing your feedback:

  1. Using the online feedback form below
  2. Emailing engage@ahc.sa.gov.au
  3. Mailing to Community Engagement Coordinator, PO Box 44, Woodside SA 5244
  4. Phoning 8408 0400
  5. Collecting a hardcopy feedback form from any Council Service Centre or Library at Stirling, Gumeracha or Woodside.

For feedback to be considered it must be received by Council no later than 4pm, Tuesday 3 May 2022