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Established in August 2009 Unlock The Past (UTP) is a collaborative venture involving authors, presenters, archives, libraries, historical societies, genealogy and family history societies and commercial companies and individuals in a broad range of activities which all revolve around history, genealogy and heritage in Australia and New Zealand. This paper outlines how UTP can assist archives and libraries with their own objectives in reaching out to stakeholders and client groups, especially genealogists and local and family historians. Edited paper presented at the conference A sense of place: local studies in Australia and New Zealand Sydney 5-6 May 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community archives play an important role in heritage and cultural wellbeing but the quality of care they receive and their accessibility vary greatly. This paper presents the results of research which investigated the factors required for maintenance of community archives and how well a selection of New Zealand archives exhibited them. The results showed that many of the factors required for maintenance are interrelated and interdependent but that some have a particularly strong impact on the maintenance of the archival records and the evidence they contain. Based on these results and factors, possible strategies for enhancing the future sustainability of community archives are proposed. Edited version of a paper presented at A sense of place: local studies in Australia and New Zealand conference Sydney 5-6 May 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Maitland local studies strategy was developed as a result of a city wide strategic review undertaken by Maitland City Library which highlighted the importance of fostering management of Maitland's local history and heritage resources. The strategy sustains recognition of Maitland's history and cultural heritage through promotion of networks, development of standards, support of local heritage organisations and promotion of heritage education. This paper provides an overview of strategy development and outcomes, with a focus on how public libraries can position themselves beyond the role of repository and into community leadership. Paper, excluding appendices, presented at A sense of place: local studies in Australia and New Zealand conference Sydney 5-6 May 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Book Well program is a collaborative initiative of the State Library of Victoria, the Public Libraries Victoria Network and VicHealth. Employing read aloud reading groups, the program focuses on the power of literature to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. It particularly targets people who are vulnerable due to their situations, such as the homeless, the long term unemployed, new arrivals in Australia, residents in aged care facilities and those experiencing mental health problems. The Victorian program was inspired by the UK's Get Into Reading program. In March 2010, 20 Victorians were trained over five days to deliver the Book Well program. This paper discusses the focus, merits and implementation of the Victorian program, provides an evaluation of the program to date, and comments on future directions. Edited version of a paper presented at the Alia Access conference Brisbane 1-3 September 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the range of readers advisory services being provided for leading edge baby boomers over 55, the well aged and the frail aged. Currently there is little targeting of readers advisory to specific age groups or agilities. Readers advisory services for older adults require experimentation, a willingness to make mistakes, and learning from those mistakes to provide more imaginative and better services. Edited version of a paper presented at the Next Chapters conference, State Library of NSW 1-2 May 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the large size of the baby boomer cohort in Australia, a key question for public libraries is what impact their retirement will have. There is likely to be increased demand for public library services, but also opportunities to entice baby boomers to work as volunteers, including in advocacy roles. This paper reports recent research focused on the impact that the characteristics of baby boomers, and the world in which they will retire, might have upon the preparations that libraries can make and the issues that should concern them. Main areas of discussion include the role of the public library as a social hub including physical and technological resource provision; innovative partnerships to enhance public library service; the role of volunteers; and planning for change, including staffing and funding. Edited version of a paper presented at the Next Chapters conference, State Library of NSW 1-2 May 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given Australia's wealth, public libraries across all of its states and territories are woefully underfunded on a per capita basis. While improvements to ongoing government funding may take many years of concerted lobbying, library managers and local councils need to be aware of substantial funding opportunities that exist through innovative partnerships in their own localities. Universities, local employers, professional sport teams and associations and registered clubs are just some of the organisations that are proven partners for public libraries seeking to expand and improve their services. This paper provides a step by step guide for library managers and local councillors who are keen to explore their entrepreneurial sides and seek appropriate, viable, longterm financial partnerships to deliver improved community outcomes. It also provides case studies of successful funding partnerships to demonstrate the viability of such strategies. Edited version of a paper given at the September 2008 biennial conference of the Australian Library and Information Association held in Alice Springs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reading for pleasure is core business for public libraries, and library staff need to be equipped to talk with readers about books, to promote the pleasures of reading, to take a proactive role in suggesting reading materials, and in making the books and reading material in their libraries more accessible and appealing. A statewide readers advisory (RA) training program commenced in New South Wales in 2004. Rewarding Reading is a train the trainer program for public library staff involved in the delivery of readers advisory/reader development services. The program is designed to develop and upgrade the skills needed to answer the timeless question 'What's a good book to read next?' Rewarding Reading courses have been delivered in NSW, ACT, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and New Zealand. Outcomes include flow on library training within libraries, increased emphasis on and promotion of readers advisory services, and collaborative initiatives such as those undertaken by the NSW Readers Advisory Working Group to develop RA resources and reading lists. Edited version of a paper presented at the Reading Critical conference, State Library of Victoria 11-12 April 2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of greater access to fee based electronic information on free reference enquiries is examined. The research methodology included an extensive literature review and interviews with reference services librarians in Australia and overseas. Any assumption that greater internet access and use equals a decline in public and state library reference enquiries is not proven. The paper concludes with a summary of trends, predictions and scenarios of usage of state and public library reference services in an increasingly electronic age, paying special attention to the Australian environment. Edited revision of paper presented at the Vala conference Melbourne February 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volunteers form a significant part of the contribution libraries make to their communities. This paper considers the way libraries recruit, train and retain volunteers so that the process can be an enriching and rewarding one for all concerned. In particular, public libraries need to be reconsidering their attitudes to volunteers in the context of the potential capabilities of the baby boomers. Edited version of a paper presented at the Next Chapters conference, State Library of NSW 1-2 May 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Finding MY Place' (FMP) is a library based program designed to assist some of the most disadvantaged members of the community -- young people who are disengaging from the school system before they complete a reasonable level of education. With its origins in Western Australia, this paper looks at the program as it has been adapted by Fairfield City Library and partnering agencies. Run as a series of motivational workshops held in the library or, at times, as an excursion, the program aims to engage these young people with the broader community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia has four major library sectors, public, academic, school and special. All of those sectors have major strengths and rate well by world standards. Many new and redeveloped buildings have been constructed in them. The academic libraries have been strongly focused on the information/learning commons concept, electronic resources and information literacy education. Public libraries are now available to everyone in Australia, and are receiving increasing attention and new buildings as multidimensional centres for community learning capacity growing. School libraries have many new buildings and a strong focus on information literary education but they often now have inadequate teacher librarian and library technician staff and resources. School library needs were reviewed during 2011 by a committee of inquiry of the Australian federal parliament. Special libraries have experienced cutbacks and institutional changes and mergers but the sector continues to innovate and grow in areas such as law libraries. Australia has the benefit of a strong multisectoral professional library association based in the national capital Canberra, and which is helping all sectors to address areas such as the ageing and education of the profession, library education, professional development, and advocacy. Australia also unusually has a national association for Friends of Australian Libraries to focus citizen advocacy for stronger investment in public libraries in particular. A challenge for the Australian library sectors is to become better informed about the issues and many users they have in common, and to collaborate in practice and in advocacy for better, more accessible, libraries for all. Revised version of a paper commissioned by the French 'Bulletin des Bibliotèques de France' and published in its number 6, 2011 pp59-63. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries will survive and thrive by recognising their changing role. With the digital world of content, the role is shifting to that of content aggregators, access managers, and educators in digital literacy. Often pc skills workshops are filled with the same people who demonstrate digital dexterity in the knitting and quilting groups, but lack a new kind of digital dexterity in making a mouse or touch pad do what they want it to do. The questions public libraries have challenging them are 'what will be the future mix between digital and physical access to content and services', 'what service model will we adopt or adapt', and 'who has the skills to teach in the digital environment'? This paper is based on a presentation made to the city of Sydney's library staff development day 13 March 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hobsons Bay Libraries Family History Group draws together interested people on a monthly basis giving maximum returns for minimum outlay. By offering themes as diverse as its community and alternating between training in resources such as library ancestry and specialist guest speakers a broad, popular and responsive program is provided for the community. Each session includes afternoon tea, a forum for feedback and suggestions for future meetings. The added benefit to the library is the creation of a relevant and enthusiastic focus group giving members of the community the opportunity to build social networks around common interests. Edited paper presented at the conference A sense of place: local studies in Australia and New Zealand Sydney 5-6 May 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a pressing need for public libraries to create indexes and resources relating to their local area. They can no longer rely on historical societies or genealogy groups to produce pamphlets or local histories to be catalogued and put into their collections. They need to be proactive and instigate these projects, whether they do the work themselves or use volunteers. The resources produced then need to be accessible online via library websites, thus creating a virtual sense of place. Edited version of a paper presented at A sense of place: local studies in Australia and New Zealand conference Sydney 5-6 May 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides the findings of research in ten communities across four Australian states exploring how adults and adolescents experience work, home and community, and examines two best practice public libraries which have explicitly considered the needs of adolescents in their design and services. It is demonstrated that public libraries, by providing often displaced young people with legitimate space and resources, can uniquely sustain their psychosocial development and confer enduring benefits for them and their capacity for citizenship, for their families and the wider community. This is particularly significant for young people from a lower socioeconomic background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several Australian local governments have expressed interest in using vending machines to extend access to library materials. There has been one successful Australian use of a vending machine, but their cost, usual dependence on RFID technology and the suspicion that the technology could be superseded by ebooks have contributed to a slow takeup both here and overseas. This paper provides an overview of vending machine collection dispensing applications in libraries and related service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a period of rapid change local studies librarians worldwide are facing new challenges of increased demand and limited financial resources. An overview of the development of British local studies libraries, with reference to local studies in other countries, and the role of the local studies librarian precedes a discussion of the impact of digitisation of materials and the use of social media. Paper given at A sense of place: local studies in Australia and New Zealand conference Sydney 5-6 May 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2007 the 'More than just equipment' report was released. This identified issues for people with a disability in accessing their public library resources and services via the internet. Library representatives worked through the report and established priority areas to address the issues. One of these was the development of an online resource/directory to provide all Victorian library staff with the tools and information to enable their library service to support the independent use of public libraries by community members with disabilities, along with their families and carers. The result was the Pleased (Public Libraries Enabling Accessible Services Encompassing Disability) website, launched in October 2009. It is a high quality accessible web portal and is a first for public libraries in Australia demonstrating the innovative use of web technology to assist library staff in providing services to users with a disability. Edited version of a paper presented at the Alia Access conference Brisbane 1-3 September 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Inside Break project is a partnership between the metropolitan Sydney public libraries of Manly, Warringah and Pittwater. It aims to deliver information resources for senior high school students in innovative and engaging ways. The very popular insidebreak.org.au website utilizes Web 2.0 tools favoured by young people, including YouTube, blogs, Twitter, LibraryThing and podcasts. Building on its success, the website is extending partnerships to NSW public libraries. This is a unique example of libraries using new technologies to meet the needs of a target young adult client group. Edited version of a paper presented at '12 to 24s @ your public library in Australia and New Zealand conference' Beenleigh Qld 11-12 June 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The youth services strategy framework was developed by a brains trust of youth services librarians in Victoria, in consultation with Paula Kelly (State Library of Victoria) and Mylee Joseph (State Library of NSW). The framework is designed to highlight the objectives of library services to youth holistically, guide planning and to be scaleable to meet local needs. It supports public library staff in developing youth strategies and planning services and is available freely online. The framework considers the vision, mission and values underpinning the delivery of library services to young people and specifically addresses planning, collections, spaces, staff and training, technology and access, programs and services and communication. Edited version of a paper presented at '12 to 24s @ your public library in Australia and New Zealand conference' Beenleigh Qld 11-12 June 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia has welcomed migrants and refugees from many countries in the Mediterranean region over many years -Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Maltese, Turkish and French to the most recent arrivals speaking Arabic and its many dialects. Examples of best practice services in NSW public libraries demonstrate how public libraries support these culturally and linguistically diverse communities and how libraries and museums are preserving the cultural heritage and memories of communities. Their current challenges include providing resources for the ageing populations of some of the language groups and sourcing resources for the newest arrivals. Edited version of a paper presented at the Ifla satellite meeting Palermo Sicily 31 August-1 September 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linguistic diversity is an essential part of the living heritage of humanity. Libraries have developed within literate cultures and have traditionally promoted linguistic diversity through a wealth of resources and services to diverse communities. The focus for public libraries now is to engage with new and emerging communities from oral cultures. This has led to the libraries in Queensland reevaluating their collections and services to be inclusive of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage for future generations. Edited version of a paper presented at the November 2007 Queensland Multicultural Summit [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A position paper prepared in January 2008 by Friends of Libraries Australia (Fola) following the election of a new Australian federal government committed to an educational revolution for the nation. It aims to assist with the strategic positioning and funding of Australia's public library system within a whole of Australian government — national, state and local — and a national educational context. It may be accessed at www.fola.org.au. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries help build social capital in their communities by various means. This paper reviews practical ways public libraries can work with children and their families to provide better learning outcomes, and promote literacy and numeracy skills in culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Examples of community partnerships from public libraries across Australia are used as discussion points. The issue of funding is also considered in the light of experiences in North America and the UK. Demonstrated are specific library programs which encourage building on the strengths of the community and working in partnership with a wide range of government, business and not for profit organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outsourcing of technical services functions such as cataloguing and processing is becoming more commonplace in libraries across Australia.Strategic procurement adds further value to the whole process of outsourcing the purchase of goods and services. In 1999 Brisbane City Council Library Services outsourced its acquisitions and technical services, enabling staff to move into user focused positions in the branches. It also introduced a more strategic management of acquisitions and collections which continues to be fine tuned to meet the needs of library users. In 2005 Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service became the first Victorian library to fully outsource its acquisitions and technical services. Brisbane and Yarra Plenty, although 1700 kms apart, are working together to adopt a standard AACR2 Level 2 catalogue record to be created by library suppliers, with costs shared between the partner libraries. Edited version of a paper presented at the Alia 2006 Perth biennial conference [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main areas of interest to borrowers in a suburban public library service centre on the domestic and the personal: their health, their homes, their holidays, their money and their leisure. While Dewey is a satisfactory method of linking a catalogue record to an item on the shelf, it does not facilitate browsing in the areas of most interest to public library users. In 2005 Bayside Library service did not use Dewey in the traditional sense to determine shelf order in its redeveloped Beaumaris branch. The result was six new nonfiction collections which combine Dewey sequences within subject areas that are meaningful to a contemporary Australian audience. The success and user acceptance of the reorganisation has resulted in Bayside deciding, in principle, to implement the same at its other branches. Edited version of a paper presented at the Alia 2006 Perth biennial conference [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile libraries remain a critical mode of library service to rural and remote people in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. During the last decade they have been transformed, largely though the effective use of technology and good design, from basic bookmobiles to more easily accessible 'branches on wheels'. They provide greater equality to rural adults and children through a much higher level of service delivery, special spaces, and access to resources. A valid comparison is the difference between the traditional family caravan and the contemporary mobile home. Australian mobile library innovations are described. Edited version of a paper presented at 'Places and spaces: public libraries for the 21st century in Australia and New Zealand'' Adelaide South Australia 31 March-1 April 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to function effectively in today `s information society requires a high degree of literacy and a complexity of skills which is leaving some people behind. Yet in Australia one in five adults do not possess sufficient literacy skills to participate in everyday life. This causes problems for living, working and for survival. The resources, networks and advocacy potential of public libraries make them natural allies of the literacy movement The Australian Library and Information Association in its `Statement on libraries and literacy not only endorses the role of public libraries in supporting literacy but sees it as a core function. It is now an opportune time to re examine that role and develop strategies for its future. The United Nation `s Decade of literacy (2003-2012) presents a golden opportunity for public libraries to reassert their traditional role of supporting literacy as part of the life long learning agenda. Edited version of a paper presented at the Alia 2004 biennial conference Gold Coast Queensland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emphasis in the burgeoning and sometimes outstanding new library buildings and major rebuilds in Australia and New Zealand is on building social and educational capital. This is being achieved through attention to distinctive spaces for user groups, retailing approaches to ambience, interior design, furniture, lighting, signage, pervasive ICT and eating and drinking facilities. There is an increasing number of new joint use libraries between public and educational libraries, which have special design needs. The user response to, and professional satisfaction with, many of the new buildings reflects the growth in consultation with stakeholders. It also reflects architects and consultants with library experience who are responsive to the aspirations of librarians for attractive, flexible and efficient library buildings. Revision of a paper presented at the Library buildings conference Bournemouth UK 5-6 February 2004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a paper from the 17th conference of the Australian School Library Association held in Sunshine Coast, Queensland in 2001 regarding the interaction between schools and public libraries in Australia. Reports on the relationship between school and public libraries; Results of a survey on the issue; Factors describing the interaction.

Presents an edited version of a paper presented at the Alia 2000 conference in Canberra, Australia, on October 23 to 26, 2000. Background information on the public libraries in Great Britain; Information on the British government's mandate for the development of public libraries; Details on the People's Network program.

We have all experienced the challenges of finding a job. For 12-24s this can be a particularly difficult and unfamiliar process. Because libraries already provide safe and comfortable community learning spaces, there is huge potential to attract and retain 12-24 year old users and their parents by offering career education resources and job search skills. North American and UK libraries already promote career search resources, offer job development skills, online resumé and cover letter writing assistance, and encourage continued library use with workshops and upskilling support. Australia and New Zealand's public libraries have the infrastructure and capacity to build on existing youth services, including homework support, to further position themselves as career development hubs. Edited version of a paper presented at '12 to 24s @ your public library in Australia and New Zealand conference' Qld 11.-12 June 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about several papers discussed at a symposium sponsored by the Australian Library and Information Association on the importance of the Australian public library system. Topics include funding for the public library system, social exclusion of the Australian population from public libraries, and the public library system's impact on education and community capacity.