1. Libraries Building Communities Report 3 Bridging the Gaps

2.  Explore the extent to which public libraries connect and engage their communities  Emphasis on how libraries engage with those harder to reach ie disabled  Extend the analysis of Report 2 – Logging the Benefits  Explore in more detail libraries capacity for social inclusion Purpose of Report

3.  Quantitative data  to demonstrate how well represented different groups are among library users  Qualitative information  that explains in peoples own words what encourages them to use their library or alternatively what the barriers to use are  Profiles 43 public libraries and compares this profile with demographic data for each area Information Presented

4.  Focus groups – users, non users, library staff  Telephone survey  Online survey  In depth interviews with key influencers (ie community leaders, politicians, members of CALD communities) Data

5.  Who uses libraries? Who doesn’t?  Libraries as a vehicle for social inclusion  Barriers to social engagement  Reducing the barriers to social engagement  Conclusion Structure of Report

6.  Usage is widespread across metropolitan and regional areas  60% of population  40-49; 60-69 & 70+ age groups  Low income earners (less than $400 per week)  Unemployed or part-time  Professionals, managers and administrators  Couples with dependent or non dependent children Who uses libraries?

7.  Correlates to life stage and access to alternative sources of information/entertainment  15-19, under 30’s  High income earners (excess of $2000 per week)  Full-time employees  Couples without dependent children  Tradespeople/labourers Who doesn’t

8. Who uses libraries? Who doesn’t?  Well represented:  Mothers and children  Females  The elderly  Students  Unemployed  Some migrant groups  Under represented:  Working people  Minority CALD groups  Teenagers  Housebound  AATSI  Those without transport

9. Libraries as a vehicle for social inclusion  Highly accessible and well-know  Resources and activities that meet peoples needs  Services that are respected for their quality  Welcoming environment that engenders confidence  Reach out to their communities  Resources directed to developing an understanding of the needs of their communities

10. Barriers to social engagement  Institutional barriers  Materials that are not up to date, relevant or are inadequate  Inappropriate activities  Fines/charges  Opening hours  Staff attitudes and culture  Perceptions and Awareness  Image  Lack of awareness  Personal and Social factors  Ill heath, disability

11. Barriers to social engagement  Infrastructure and environment  Physical design  Poor signage  Transport  Parking  Physical barriers  Lifestyle  Two-thirds of non users in this category  Alternative access facilities  Time poor

12. Reducing the barriers to social engagement  Turn around the image  Communicate the right message  Diverse range of resources  Community resource and place for social interaction  Customer service  Libraries are for everyone  Create greater awareness  Make it easier and more comfortable for people to use the library

13. Reducing the barriers to social engagement  Encourage disadvantaged social groups to use the library  Develop a better understanding of community needs  Understand information needs  Consultation  Active participation of residents in decision making  Partnerships with other community organisations

14.  Difficult task in addressing the conflicting needs/demands of different users  Within current constraints libraries have demonstrated success in:  Embracing a wide audience  Meeting the growing expectations from different segments of their communities  Being aware of potential barriers  Forging links with community organisations  Being active in community strengthening Conclusion

15.  Within current constraints libraries have demonstrated success in (cont.):  Supporting the development of social capital by bringing the diversity of community together  Responding flexibly to community needs  Gathering data to assist in planning  Promoting their services to the community  Reach approximately 60% of population  Those missing out on services includes some of the most marginalised groups Conclusion

16.  Realise the potential  Develop a clear and practical definition of what social inclusion means  Set service priorities  Establish what works and what does not (share success)  Remove barriers to use  Form partnerships within Council and the community  Provide staff with appropriate training and support  A long term agenda