The concept of social capital, where value is derived from positive connections with people (Mask, 2019), is one which is explored in Ferguson (2012) review around the capacity of public libraries to raise social capital through lifelong learning and information literacy. The services offered by a library must meet the needs of the community which they serve. This report will be investigating how two libraries do this with tailored resources and services.
The State Library of NSW website reports that the function of the library is to collect and preserve materials and evidence which relates to New South Wales’s place in the world, making them accessible to all in New South Wales and beyond (State Library of NSW, n.d.-a, para 1). With such a large community to service, the State Library have numerous ways in which they are striving to create a more accessible. The strategic plan of the library states that the needs of the public are at the forefront of everything that is done with the desire to flip the library inside out so that it meets community needs through putting reader and visitor first, the expansion of audience, and creating an inclusive staff culture where contributions are welcomed (State Library of NSW, 2022).
One example of the strategic direction in action was reported by D. Webb (personal communication, March 28, 2023). The Indigenous Engagement branch of the library is looking at ways to celebrate and prioritise First Nations voices and in doing this it is looking to address complex issues such as establishing a First Nations collecting strategy, updating records to acknowledge where there are contested histories and regional digitisation hubs (D. Webb, personal communication, March 28, 2023). While updating the library catalogue and website for a more interactive and user-friendly experience (L. Prichard, personal communication, March 28, 2023), they have looked at including First Nations voices in the connection of Aboriginal communities through websites such as Gather (State Library of NSW, n.d.-b).
The University of Sydney library, under the governance of the University Senate, are informed in their direction by the strategic plan for the years 2022 to 2032 (The University of Sydney, 2022). When looking to create a better place for users they are ambitiously looking to ensure that physical and digital places are inviting for all and meet the purpose for which they are designed (The University of Sydney, 2022).
The library has employed many initiatives, one of which is to make the First Nations voice prominent. P. Kent (personal communication, March 29, 2023) reported that the university had created an Acknowledgement of Country video where Gadi language is authentically used and the video is shown in all library spaces. The creation of this video was in response to feedback from First Nations students who reported that they did not feel a genuine connection to the library spaces (P. Kent, personal communication, March 29, 2023). Along with a current collection of research materials suitable for study needs of students, the university also provided digital resources, such as 3-D printing facilities or recording studios where students can engage in hands on research. The engagement of a Learning Spaces Officer has meant that the library spaces are tailored to be evolving and inviting for use, such as through adaptable signage and a variety of furniture designed to fit adaptive learning (M. Sanfilippo, personal communication, March 29, 2023).
References
Ferguson, S. (2012). Are public libraries developers of social capital? A review of their contribution and attempts to demonstrate it. The Australian Library Journal, 61(1), 22-33. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049670.2012.10722299
Mask, R. L. (2019, November 19). What is social capital and why is it so important? SNHU Newsroom. https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/business/what-is-social-capital
State Library of NSW. (2022, September 28). Strategic Plan. State Library of NSW. https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/about-library/strategic-plan
State Library of NSW. (n.d.-a). About the library. State Library of NSW. https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/about-library
State Library of NSW. (n.d.-b). Gather: About. State Library of NSW. https://gather.sl.nsw.gov.au/about
The University of Sydney. (2022). Our aspirations. https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/2032-strategy/our-aspirations.html