OLJ Task 18
Public libraries I think, are uniquely positioned to adapt service delivery in accordance to their communities needs. With the transitions into smart communities, libraries have the potential to take an important role in scaffolding community members and organisations to new levels, and be an anchor point for future civic development (Mersand, Udoh, Gasco-Hernandez & Gil-Garcia, 2019).
The organisation in which I work, is the Richmond Tweed Regional Library (RTRL), which delivers a service to four regional council areas (Richmond Tweed Regional Library [RTRL], 2021). The continual development of online technologies, e-government services, and the COVID-19 disruption, this library service has seen relative change in a short timeframe, requiring it to innovate its service and cater to the needs of its diverse users. This changing service model aligns with the concept of public libraries acting as anchor institutions (Mersand et al, 2019), and library branches within RTRL are embracing future change by not only supporting its users with access to computers, broadband, children’s programs, but provides adult support services, such as tech, tax, language help, online educational events, and creative programs such as makerspace and craft groups (RTRL, 2021). This service delivery does require library professionals to be flexible and act as conduits to the needs of their community, while also fostering engagement through meaningful experiences and shared interests (Mersand et al, 2019).
RTRL does provide a robust range of service, however, for this service to stay relevant and foster increased civic engagement with its communities, the library will be required to design spaces, collections and programs which continue to support the changing needs of society (Mersand et al, 2019). One example is meeting the needs of entrepreneurs and community groups with collaborative spaces.
Start-up and collaborative spaces
Start-up and collaborative spaces involve two concepts for future library service. The first is supporting the influx of entrepreneurs working in regional Australia, the second is providing a space for community organisations, groups, schools and government agencies. This idea of creating modular spaces provides these groups with an equipped space within their local communities, with support from information professionals who contribute a range of expertise in enabling positive community outcomes (Mersand et al, 2019). One example is the State Library of Victoria’s Ideas Quarter (State Library of Victoria, 2021).
State Library of Victoria – Ideas Quarter
The Ideas Quarter at the State Library of Victoria is home to the StartSpace initiative, which supports entrepreneurs, by providing a collaborative space which connects them to their peers, as well as community mentors and leaders.
Photo credit: State Library of Victoria, 2021
References
Mersand, S., Udoh, E., Gasco-Hernandez, M., & Gil-Garcia, J. R. (2019). Public libraries as anchor institutions in smart communities: Current practices and future development. Proceedings of the 52nd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (3305-3314). HICSS. DOI 10.24251/HICSS.2019.399
Richmond Tweed Regional Library. (2021). About us. https://rtrl.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-LGY-12-06-67
Richmond Tweed Regional Library. (2021). Events. https://rtrl.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/events_list.asp
State Library of Victoria. (2021). Ideas Quarter. https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/visit/our-magnificent-spaces/ideas-quarter
State Library of Victoria. (2021). Ideas Quarter [Photograph]. https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/visit/our-magnificent-spaces/ideas-quarter