Joint-Use Libraries in the Australian Community. Proceedings of a National Workshop (Melbourne, Australia, August 13-15, 1980). Development of Resource Sharing Networks. Networks Study No. 18.

Pre-circulated papers, comments on these papers, documents compiled as a result of group discussion, and resolutions adopted at Australia's 1980 National Workshop on Joint-Use Libraries are presented. A joint-use library is defined as one in which two or more distinct groups of users are given equal priority in the same premises, the governance of which is cooperatively arranged between two or more separate authorities. Three papers on joint-use libraries in primary and secondary schools (J. D. Dwyer), in colleges (A. J. Brown) and in community centers (G. Fraser) explore the circumstances under which coordinated services may be provided, the requirements which should be fulfilled before a joint function is undertaken, and the legal, contractual and administrative mechanisms necessary to ensure effective and continuing service to both the school/college community and the public at large. In addition to a list of resolutions adopted, documents produced at the workshop include a statement of the aims and objectives of joint-use libraries; a discussion of the optimum conditions for their establishment; and separate considerations of the planning process, contracts, staffing, and administration required for such libraries. Lists of workshop participants and their affiliations, and members of the Australian Advisory Council on Bibliographical Services Working Party on User Needs are appended. (ESR)