Libraries Building Communities

Report 3

Bridging the Gaps

Explore the extent to which public libraries connect and engage their communities Emphasis on how libraries engage with those harder to reach ie disabled Extend the analysis of Report 2 – Logging the Benefits Explore in more detail libraries capacity for

social inclusion

Purpose of Report

Quantitative data to demonstrate how well represented different groups are among library users

Qualitative information that explains in peoples own words what encourages them to use their library or alternatively what the barriers to use are

Profiles 43 public libraries and compares this profile with demographic data for each area

Information Presented

Focus groups – users, non users, library staff Telephone survey Online survey In depth interviews with key influencers (ie

community leaders, politicians, members of CALD communities)

Data

Who uses libraries? Who doesn’t? Libraries as a vehicle for social inclusion Barriers to social engagement Reducing the barriers to social engagement Conclusion

Structure of Report

Usage is widespread across metropolitan and regional areas60% of population40-49; 60-69 & 70+ age groupsLow income earners (less than $400 per week)Unemployed or part-timeProfessionals, managers and administratorsCouples with dependent or non dependent children

Who uses libraries?

Correlates to life stage and access to alternative sources of information/entertainment

15-19, under 30’sHigh income earners (excess of $2000 per week)Full-time employeesCouples without dependent childrenTradespeople/labourers

Who doesn’t

Who uses libraries? Who doesn’t?

Well represented:Mothers and childrenFemalesThe elderlyStudentsUnemployedSome migrant groups

Under represented:Working peopleMinority CALD groupsTeenagersHouseboundAATSIThose without transport

Libraries as a vehicle for social inclusion

Highly accessible and well-know Resources and activities that meet peoples needs Services that are respected for their quality Welcoming environment that engenders confidence Reach out to their communities Resources directed to developing an understanding of the needs of their communities

Barriers to social engagement Institutional barriers

Materials that are not up to date, relevant or are inadequate Inappropriate activitiesFines/chargesOpening hoursStaff attitudes and culture

Perceptions and AwarenessImageLack of awareness

Personal and Social factorsIll heath, disability

Barriers to social engagement

Infrastructure and environmentPhysical designPoor signageTransportParkingPhysical barriers

Lifestyle Two-thirds of non users in this categoryAlternative access facilities Time poor

Reducing the barriers to social engagement

Turn around the image Communicate the right message

Diverse range of resourcesCommunity resource and place for social interactionCustomer serviceLibraries are for everyone

Create greater awareness Make it easier and more comfortable for people to use the library

Reducing the barriers to social engagement

Encourage disadvantaged social groups to use the library Develop a better understanding of community needs

Understand information needsConsultationActive participation of residents in decision makingPartnerships with other community organisations

Difficult task in addressing the conflicting needs/demands of different users Within current constraints libraries have demonstrated success in:

Embracing a wide audienceMeeting the growing expectations from different segments of their communitiesBeing aware of potential barriersForging links with community organisationsBeing active in community strengthening

Conclusion

Within current constraints libraries have demonstrated success in (cont.):

Supporting the development of social capital by bringing the diversity of community together Responding flexibly to community needsGathering data to assist in planningPromoting their services to the community

Reach approximately 60% of population Those missing out on services includes some of the most marginalised groups

Conclusion

Conclusion

Realise the potential Develop a clear and practical definition of what social inclusion meansSet service prioritiesEstablish what works and what does not (share success)Remove barriers to useForm partnerships within Council and the communityProvide staff with appropriate training and supportA long term agenda