ALIA submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Role of Libraries in the Online Environment

Snapshot of other projects - a sample of local news stories for 2002

• New libraries and upgrades result in an increase in patronage by the public, For example Maryborough Library has a dramatic increase in membership since the new library opened and the Surf Coast Library in Torquay has trebled its patronage. In contrast, substandard, cramped libraries with inadequate disability access are turning away patrons as experienced by the Ivanhoe (Vic) Library.
  
  
• A user survey by the Wollongong City Library found that in the three months leading up to March 2002 there were 160 000 visits to the library's web catalogue compared with 40 000 in the three months to August 2001. Also, Wentworth Shire Council recorded an increase in the amount of time spent using the public access computer facilities.
  
  
• Monash job seekers program will begin in September 2002 due to a state government grant of $15 000. Unravelling the job market is aimed at unemployed people or those seeking a career change. There will be guest speakers, resume and letter writing workshops, and the introduction of specialised computer programs for job hunters. A second program aimed at young job seekers will begin mid-2003. This program 'Off the couch and out the door' will include a series of motivational speakers and job searching strategy workshops.
  
  
• Beaudesert Shire Council will establish a youth zone to engage young people creatively to increase the use of under-utilised library services. It is funded by a grant from the Queensland state government.
  
  
• Glen Innes Community Library and Learning Centre, scheduled to begin early 2003, will be a community library (combining the town's public library and TAFE campus library), a learning facility equipped with computer laboratories, lecture and video-conferencing facilities and a community venue for functions for arts and crafts displays. It is funded by local councils, the University of New England, University of New South Wales, the NSW Government and the State Library of NSW. The University of New England will offer a special certificate program at the Glenn Innes Learning Centre in 2003, introducing students to university learning as well as several online undergraduate courses.
  
  
• The Alice Springs Library has co-ordinated a pilot program called the Indigenous Access Project. The project seeks to tackle the specific needs of the library's Indigenous patrons and increase their understanding of the library services.
  
  
• Wonthaggi's proposed new library will be more like a community information centre as people's information needs have changed. These days people are wanting more information on a variety of topics in a number of different formats. It will enable people to access all kinds of information, from the latest about federal government programs to websites from across the world.
  
  
• Mt Evelyn Library will house a new career resource centre. A free service that would provide career guidance and resources especially for people seeking a new direction. It enables people to obtain information from the centre as well as the library.
  
  
• Members of the Glenelg Regional Library can access the Australian/NZ Reference Centre online from the library's web page by clicking in your library card number.
  
  
• Legal Information Access Centres (LIAC). LIAC is an initiative of the State Library of NSW and the Law and Justice Foundation of NSW to ensure that residents have free and easier access to legal information. LIAC uses the full range of legal resources in all formats, including CD-ROMS and online databases. LIAC is not about giving legal advice but rather helping library patrons access information that will mean they are better equipped when going to a solicitor. Information about family law, discrimination, industrial relations, credit, sources of free legal advice, how to find a private lawyer is available. LIAC operates through public libraries across NSW in almost 400 locations.
  
  
• Berrigan Library has introduced a 'techno teens' program to encourage teenagers to drop into their local library. It has been designed to bring teenagers into the libraries in Finley, Tocumwal, Berrigan and Barooga. It will provide free internet access and they will receive a techno pack which includes an internet address book, blank CD and floppy disk, mouse pad, pen and discount vouchers from local businesses.
  
  
• Library based homework centres are a new program starting at Wetherill Park Library in Sydney. It offers students from years 3-6, on Tuesdays and Thursdays during school term, help study skills while helping them feel more a part of their community. It is a valuable role in the lifelong learning process. Funded by a grant of $26 000 from the Library Council of NSW. Also Wollongong City Library's WebLinks has been set up to get homework help. WebLinks is a list of more than 1 000 websites selected by librarians. Also, Carlton Library has a Youthlink Homework Club which provides free tutors, internet access and other advice. Many would never be able to afford a tutor or have the internet at home. It is one way that libraries are broadening their services. The Hastings Libraries at Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton offer study support materials for teenagers at school.
  
  
• Ku-ring-gai Library is part of a network of libraries offering a service for residents who have trouble getting to a library on their own. The library offers free door-to-door transport for those with a disability, no car or current licence who live too far away from transport. Besides books and newspapers, it also offers free internet access.
  
  
• Bundaberg Library is one of the busiest libraries in regional Queensland reflected in the high usage of internet facilities. Free training sessions held by the library in web searching and e-mail have contributed to the number of people using the library's computers.
  
  
• Rural Link is a project of the State Library of New South Wales to establish innovative, sustainable, high-speed internet and online access for public or not-for-profit community institutions in at least 90 relatively small towns across rural and remote NSW. The network will support an array of virtual private networks for groups and associations. Funded by the commonwealth Networking the Nation program.
  
  
• The development of a state-of-the art tele-village centre at Portland Library. The tele-village will provide a range of learning, teaching and recreation experiences around the theme of information technology and multimedia. Funded by a $400 000 state government grant. With a range of hard copy and electronic services available, the council hoped the library would become a 'gateway of information'.
  
  
• Community information directories from six local councils in the southern tablelands have been placed on web-based library system accessible by the internet providing a one-stop shop of community information available 24 hours per day. Funded by a grant of $30 000 to the Southern Tablelands Library. This will produce up-to-date community information across Goulburn, Crookwell, Gunning, Mulwaree, Tallaganda and Yass. Benefits residents who live on farms or in remote towns as well as visitors, local businesses and students. Previously councils have produced their own printed directories which are out of date quickly and attract printing and production costs.
  
  
• Lithgow Learning Shop, set up in Lithgow Library, brings togerther information about all learning opportunities in the Lithgow area and to provide internet links to universities, adult education and learning sites.
  
  
• The Upper Murray Regional Library's two mobile libraries carrying new satellite technology are able to provide a library service to outlying communities including an internet service. The service is funded by a $145 000 grant from the federal government's Networking the Nation program and intends to be a pilot for library services around Australia. Also Wellington Council (Vic), through a grant from council, has made its internet service mobile.
  
  
• The opening of the Community Technology Centre last year saw the surge in popularity of Temora's Library IT facilities. The computers offer access to the internet, online games and databases such as Parliament Hansard and the health and wellness database offering a comprehensive resource of medical information.
  
  
• Liverpool Library has a tourism database called Discover Liverpool. Launched in conjunction with the library's online computer service known as eBranch. It is funded by the State Library. Besides tourism, the database will help students and useful information for history projects.
  
  
• Surfing Seniors educational program held at Kelmscott Library. It is aimed at getting more seniors online. Internet Wise Australia is coordinating the course where participants will explore the online world of shopping, travel, banking and various other areas. The internet can offer people a wider choice of pastimes, hobbies and social interaction and continued independence. A part of the Libraries Change Lives theme. At the Great Lakes Library (NSW), older people with benefit from a specially tailored computer and internet training program called Seniors Online @ Hands On Program. Funded by a grant of $52000
  
  
• Kiama Public Library has become one of the select libraries to join the online Library Extension Program. Through this program it will have access to over 650 statistical publications the moment they are released. It is an initiative of the ABS. The new service provides timely, accurate information, which is essential to the forward planning of government business and the community.
  
  
• The NetSpots Directory allows those people who don't have home internet access to dial a free information line to identity their nearest internet access point. The NetSpots directory is a database of public internet services including local government libraries and commercial cafes. Launched by the National Office for the Information Economy. ABS statistics indicate that by the end of 2002 only 50 per cent of households will have the internet at home.
  
  
• Bathurst Library has endorsed the participation of its library in the State Library's Drug Information In Public Libraries project. Amongst other things it includes access to an internet gateway of Australian drug information.
  
  
• Skills.net, funded by the Victorian government, has enabled community organisations to provide internet access and training to technologically disadvantaged people in regional and remote parts of Victoria, and to low income earners. Skills.net grants have been provided to neighbourhood houses, community centres and public libraries.