Library Services in Rural Communities: A New Era

Goldfields Library Corporation is planning significant improvements to service delivery in the Loddon Shire and northern areas of the City of Greater Bendigo.

Planning is about to begin on the introduction of seven ‘bricks and mortar’ library agencies aimed at replacing and increasing the level of service provided by the mobile library truck service.

Under the new model, communities in the region will have access to more than 100 hours of library service per week, in comparison to the 15.5 hours currently provided by the mobile library. The new model is expected to be operational by early 2017.

The Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House currently houses the Corporation’s only library agency, and provides an additional 24 hours of service per week to the region. It will continue to operate, with the seven new library agencies expected to have a similar structure as part of shared community spaces and hubs.

Previous surveying of mobile library customers indicated that, although the mobile library was valued, the service stopped for very short periods of time that did not suit many parts of the community and was not able to host programs.

The new approach to library services reflects the outcomes of this consultation process, and also addresses the low membership levels and usage statistics for Loddon Shire, where currently less than 10 percent of the population are active library members. The geography of the area is also considered in proposing multiple agencies across several townships in an environment where population is low and distances between townships are significant. 

Under the new service model, customers will have more hours available to browse and loan from the library agency collections; collect and return loans and reservations. Some agencies will also present free programs, with a focus on children’s literacy and digital literacy for adults.

“The new model heralds significant improvements in the way rural areas will experience library services. Libraries have shifted from being solely about a collection of items for loan. They are now closely aligned with the values and activities of community hubs, providing places for people to meet, connect and participate in programs,” said Ms Chris Kelly, Goldfields Library Corporation CEO.

“Our survey results showed that people want more hours of library service in rural and remote locations. This new approach is aimed at enabling greater access to local libraries and community spaces for a larger number of people.”

Expressions of interest will soon be sought from local community organisations and groups to partner with the Library Corporation in operating the new library agencies. This will offer groups the opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering a highly valued service to their communities.

“As part of our commitment to providing high quality accessible library services to the region we are working closely with member councils and the councils that purchase mobile library services to ensure a smooth transition,” Ms Kelly said.

The concept of library agencies has been successfully implemented in other parts of Australia and is particularly suited to rural and remote locations. The model is currently used in the shires of Campaspe and Gannawarra in Victoria. Agency locations for Loddon Shire include Boort, Dingee, Inglewood, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn, with Pyramid Hill remaining an existing agency. In the City of Greater Bendigo, agency locations include Axedale and Elmore. 

The Corporation will publish regular progress updates to keep the community informed. These will be available via the library website, email and in printed format from selected locations throughout affected areas. For more information visit: www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au/rural