Two new Australian public library reports were released by the State Library of New South Wales (NSW) late last year. NSW is Australia’s most populous state whose capital is Sydney.
Building on the bookends scenarios explores how the future of NSW public libraries might unfold over the next twenty year, specifically examining how longer term developments in the external environment may impact on the provision and perceived value of public library services. This builds on an earlier project undertaken in 2009 and highlights the rapid change during this time.
The State Library also commissioned a project to explore the mobile and outreach services that are currently offered by NSW public libraries. The report identifies the range and scope of NSW public library mobile and outreach service models; explores the strengths, weaknesses, benefits and opportunities of different outreach models and provides good practice guidelines for outreach service models in NSW public libraries.