2015-04-28 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                         28 APRIL 2015


4.     Scope of Strategy

Public libraries across the globe have been responding to and initiating change as their
communities experience demographic shifts, establish different ways of living and engage with
new technologies. They are evolving to deliver services that are driven by customer and
community needs and expectations, in a constantly changing environment.

At the state level, the Local Government Association of Queensland has worked with State
Library of Queensland and the Queensland Public Libraries Association to develop an
overarching strategic vision for public libraries in Queensland: The Next Horizon: Vision 2017 for
Queensland public libraries1.

Central to this vision is the concept that 21st century Queensland public libraries are spaces to
learn, work and create. They have a dual role as vibrant local centres and portals to the world.
The strategy is built around four common themes with libraries being: creative community
spaces, physical and virtual connectors, technology trendsetters and incubators of ideas,
learning and innovation.

Noosa Libraries are one of Council’s most visible and highly utilised services in the community.
While books and reading remain a key element of the library service, the services and program
delivered extend well beyond this. Key themes of service delivery include reading, learning,
literacy, heritage, community services, technology and being a community hub. This is reflected
in a broad range of collections, services and activities that support intellectual, educational and
creative development across the region. The scope of services and programs provided by Noosa
was established in the 2004-2007 Strategic Plan and is typical of a public library service in
Australia.

It is proposed that the new Libraries Strategy would establish a high level vision and strategic
direction which builds on the existing successful framework and reflects the themes in Next
Horizons within a locally relevant context.

Services and Programs Review - Another key aspect of the strategy review process will be to
consider the range of programs and services that the library does or could provide to determine
the appropriate and relevant mix for Noosa Shire into the future. A list of the current range of the
services / programs provided is set out in attachment 1.

The methodology includes an analysis of each program and service set out in Attachment 1
including the financial and social aspects. Ultimately, the review will need to provide Council with
details of each service and program and identify the costs of each program, the usage of the
program, the community outcomes and an assessment of “value for money”. That analysis will be
supported by relevant Council officers including the Finance Manager.

Ideally the new strategy will also allow flexibility to account for the changing environment and
emerging priorities and opportunities.

The new Noosa Libraries Strategic Plan will:
 link into the Noosa Social Plan
 build a shared picture of the future of library services relevant to Noosa Shire
 establish an operational model relevant to Noosa Council
 understand and respond to community needs and expectations
 ensure the library service is delivering outcomes which support Noosa Council’s goals and
   objectives

1
  The next horizon : vision 2017 for Queensland public libraries. State Library of Queensland; Local Government Association of
Queensland; Queensland Public Libraries Association. 2013 http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/manage/21st-century-public-
libraries/vision2017

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