WA public libraries strategy
Public libraries are much-loved and much-used facilities. Across Western Australia’s 233 public libraries, there are more than 870 000 active library members. In 2019 -20, they borrowed around 13 million physical items and around 2.3 million eBooks and audiobooks.
There is a need for significant, transformational change to deliver more efficient and flexible public library services to continue to meet our growing and diverse community needs. The Public Libraries Working Group (PLWG) leads this work on behalf of State and Local Government to “deliver more agile and innovative public library services and programs that respond to the diverse needs of Western Australian communities and are sustainable into the future".
The WA Public Libraries Strategy is the result of extensive research and consultation through the Public Libraries Working Group and with stakeholders including local government authorities.
New Tiered Model to Support Public Library Service Delivery
A Framework for a new tiered model to support public library service delivery in Western Australia was endorsed by WALGA State Council and the Library Board of WA in May 2019. This aspirational framework means that local government public library services in Western Australia fall into one of three tiers primarily dependent on their population and capacity.
The endorsed Framework was phased in over 2019-20 and 2020-21. Support for libraries in regional and remote Western Australia has been incorporated into the new model and is now facilitated by SLWA using enhanced access to technology and on-line platforms to improve engagement.
New Funding Allocation Model
The State Government provides SLWA with funds for the purchase of print and online materials for the State's 233 public libraries. Traditionally, this funding has been used exclusively for the purchase of print and online resources. The new model allows for local government to apply for some of their funding to be used to support library initiatives and public programs. The new model has been implemented from 1 July 2021.
Under the New Funding Allocation Model, Local governments may apply for some of their funding to be used to support library initiatives and public programs. Details of successful grant applications are listed below:
2021 Successful Grant Applications
Library Priority Allocation Grants (Tier 1):
|
Local Government |
Project |
Amount |
|---|---|---|
|
Canning |
Library of Things |
$9,000 |
|
Canning |
DigiPlay Van (Mobile outreach vehicle for digital engagement and play based learning) |
$21,760 |
|
Capel |
Meeting Pods |
$5,780 |
|
Collie |
Youth Study Space |
$4,475 |
|
Dardanup |
Digital Experiences Learning Area |
$4,461 |
|
Derby- West Kimberley |
Significance Assessment |
$6,400 |
|
Fremantle |
Library Connect - Project Evaluation |
$13,750 |
|
Northam |
The Create Room, Wundowie |
$5,467 |
|
Plantagenet |
Spoken History: Hearing the voices of Plantagenet |
$4,184 |
|
Rockingham |
Purchase of 2 x interactive touch screens - Safety Bay Library and Warnbro Community Library |
$20,400 |
Technology and Digital Inclusion Grants (Tier 2 and 3)
|
Local Government |
Project |
Amount |
|---|---|---|
|
Boddington |
Digital Awareness Project |
$5,000 |
|
Boyup Brook |
Tech Tips |
$1,238.79 |
|
Bridgetown-Greenbushes |
Improving Digital Inclusion - Resources and Training |
$5,000 |
|
Cranbrook |
Frankland River Youth Zone and Computer Lab |
$4,962 |
|
Denmark |
Interactive Foreign Language Learning Online |
$1,700 |
|
Goomalling |
GO Tech Access For All |
$5,000 |
|
Irwin |
Connecting Irwin |
$5,000 |
|
Jerramungup |
Our Passion, Your Potential thru Technology |
$5,000 |
|
Merredin |
Craft Makerspace |
$1,599 |
|
Nungarin |
Community Technology Access Program |
$3,622.95 |
|
Tammin |
Supply Community with Digital Hub |
$3,089 |
|
Upper Gascoyne |
Upper Gascoyne Staying Connected |
$4,140 |
|
Williams |
"Savvy Seniors" Computer Lessons. (Improvement of Library Technology and Training Facilities) |
$5,000 |
Encouraging Promise Practice Grants (Tier 2)
|
Local Government |
Project |
Amount |
|---|---|---|
|
Boyup Brook |
Library Revival |
$5,000 |
|
Cranbrook |
Shire of Cranbrook Archives - Equipping Volunteers and Library Staff to Preserve Our Communities History |
$5,000 |
|
Irwin |
Inspiring a Connected Irwin |
$4,426.50 |
|
Ravensthorpe |
Fitzy Unearthed / Fitzy Files |
$5,000 |
|
Waroona |
Waroona Public Library Interactive Children’s Space |
$4,000 |
|
Wickepin |
Library Improvements and Programs |
$5,000 |
2020 Successful Grant Applications
Library Priority Allocation Grants (Tier 1):
| Local Government | Project | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | Cambridge Library 2021 STEM Programme | $2 400 |
| Canning | Connect in Canning – Resilient Street and Neighbourhood Project. Subproject – “Welcome” Points | $15 880 |
| Capel | STEM Robotics | $3 000 |
| Collie | STEAM education and recreation collection | $2 000 |
| Gosnells | Mobile Makerspace | $20 000 |
| Kalamunda | Virtual reality experiences @ your library | $6 416 |
| Rockingham | Purchase of interactive touch screens | $10 175 |
Technology and Digital Inclusion Grants (Tier 2 and 3)
| Local Government | Project | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Chapman Valley | Nabawa Library Relocation Project | $4,343.68 |
| Corrigin | Connecting Corrigin | $2,282.45 |
| Dalwallinu | Digital Lounge Project | $1,597 |
| East Pilbara | Pilbara Immersion | $4,944 |
| Mingenew | Public PC for Mingenew library | $1,970 |
| Narembeen | Digital together in Narembeen | $2,532.40 |
| Three Springs | Upgrade of computers at Three Springs library | $1,905 |
| Victoria Plains | Innovating Calingiri | $2,317.27 |
| West Arthur | Tablets for digital inclusion | $850 |
| Westonia | Wifi for Wessie | $890 |
| Wongan-Ballidu | Portable Public Use Devices | $2,948.60 |
| Woodanilling | Community Internet Access Computer | $2,040 |
Encouraging Promise Practice Grants (Tier 2)
| Local Government | Project | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Chittering | Bindoon Library Reading Nook | $4,818.24 |
| Dalwallinu | Cubby house play and learn project | $3,979.38 |
| Narembeen | Building brains together in Narembeen | $2,738.75 |
One Card Project
As part of the WA Public Libraries Strategy the State Library of Western Australia commissioned AOT Consulting Pty Ltd to prepare a business case to scope requirements and assess options for a model to facilitate single library card access (one card) for the community throughout Western Australia. This proposal was rejected by State Treasury. State Library is currently investigating if the State Library’s library management system can be shared with Tier 2 and 3 local governments in a consortia arrangement.
Oversees the implementation of public library strategies.
The Public Library Strategy closed on 8 April 2022.