9. Appendices. 9.1 Submissions and contributions report 9.2 Community comments

(1)

9. Appendices

9.1 Submissions and contributions report

9.2 Community comments

(2)

(3)

Submissions and

contributions report

Ministerial Advisory Council

on Public Libraries

Appendix 9.1

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“The Victorian Library concept provides an exciting vision to realise the delivery of library

services of excellence to all residents of Victoria, irrespective of where they live.”

Wyndham City Council

“The Board, staff and I believe that it’s a one in a lifetime chance to get public libraries

set for the future benefi t of all Victorians. We strongly believe that public libraries add

signifi cant value to the ‘brain health’ of a community.”

Goulburn Valley Regional Library Corporation

“East Gippsland Shire Council strongly supports the concept of the Victorian Library as a

visionary strategic direction for the Victorian public library sector.”

East Gippsland Shire Council

Support for the Victorian Library concept

Respondents were asked to rate their support for the Victorian Library concept from 1-5. The average score was 4.1, indicating strong support for the concept. More than two-thirds of respondents rated the proposal 4 or 5 and only three rated the concept as at 2 or less.

Some respondents commented on their level of support for the Victorian Library as part of the template, while others provided an overall response.

As the scores and comments show, most respondents were positive and support the Victorian Library concept. There was a general consensus that library services are changing and now was an ideal time to implement sector-wide

change. There was strong support for building on the extensive collaboration already undertaken within the sector for the benefi t of all Victorians. There were, however, reservations about

implementation, with respondents wanting to see further work on a detailed business case before fully endorsing it. Others stressed there is no capacity within libraries to fund these changes and that the Victorian Government would need to provide funds for the project to succeed.

A minority of submissions indicated concerns with the concept or did not support it. This is due to possible additional administrative burdens, the redirection of Victorian Government funding or it is of no perceived benefi t to their communities.

Support for the Victorian Library Concept

25 15 20 10 5 Average Score 4.1

(5)

Most submissions supported the

Victorian Library concept. It was seen as an

important step for Victorian libraries and would improve service levels for the

Victorian community.

“In principle, Council supports the Victorian Library concept and commends the Victorian Government for the vision of providing seamless library services to all Victorians.”

Brimbank City Council

“Council is supportive of collaborative efforts that support effi ciency and the effectiveness of libraries services.” Darebin City Council

“The Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation supports the overall intent of the Victorian Library. The actual components of the Victorian Library are logical extensions of the general service directions of public libraries (particularly the Swift Consortium) and the sensible use of new technologies.” Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation

“Conceptually, YPRL supports the proposal. The initiatives outlined will provide a solid foundation to bring all Victorian libraries to an equal footing.”

Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service

“The Victorian Library approach is a vision that has not been addressed in the life of Victorian public libraries on such a grand scale.”Maribyrnong City Council

“It is important for people living in rural Victoria to have the same opportunities and access to library resources and services as people living in metropolitan or larger regional areas... Consideration needs to be given to the inclusion of areas in New South Wales which are serviced by Victorian library services.” Swan Hill Rural City Council

“East Gippsland Shire Council strongly supports the concept of the Victorian Library as a visionary strategic direction for the Victorian public library sector.”

East Gippsland Shire Council

“Vision Australia (VA) supports the principles of seamless service to all Victorians and recognises the efforts of the Victorian Government to create a library service of excellence.”

Vision Australia Information Library Service

“Council is generally supportive of the overall concept, but not to the detriment of current levels of funding, and not to the disadvantage of the local community.” Moonee Valley City Council

(6)

“The Victorian Library concept aligns well with the strategic direction set by Latrobe City

Council...It provides an opportunity to propel Victorian Public Libraries into world class facilities; showcasing excellence in service delivery, collaboration and innovation. It is an opportunity not to be missed.” Latrobe City Council

“The Victorian Library, as a seamless network of public library services that refl ects the character and the information, entertainment and educational needs of the local community is an excellent concept.” Insight Informatics

“Port Phillip City Council is supportive in principle of the Victorian Library concept. In many ways the concept very much built around the ideal of a seamless interface for the end user with a uniformity and consistency of experience as the end goal...they are an integral part of the fabric of the community, providing a safe, free and welcoming space for members of the public to relax, learn, connect and engage with the world around them.” Port Phillip City Council

“The Victorian Library concept communicates an aspirational and forward-thinking strategic vision for Victoria’s public libraries.” Hume City Council

“The West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation and its member Councils, support the concept of public libraries and councils in Victoria sharing their resources and making them available anywhere, anytime.” West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation

“The Victorian Library idea of one library card enabling a member to borrow anywhere, return anywhere, will be of signifi cant value to our visitors.”

West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation

“We support the concept as a strong foundation to underpin an equal standard for all Victorian libraries.” Murrindindi Shire Council

“Mornington Peninsula Shire supports the overall principles of the Victorian Library model insofar as it promotes access and equity for all Victorians.” Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

“Councils and regional libraries are, in general, supportive of the key elements of the Victorian Library proposal and welcome opportunities to strengthen the world-class public libraries currently delivered by local government.” Municipal Association of Victoria

“The VLGA supports the principle underlying the Victorian Library concept, that is, providing “access to information, resources and services to all Victorians, either in person or online and in a variety of formats, regardless of where they live, work, study or relax.”

The Victorian Local Governance Association

“The Victorian Library concept provides a watershed opportunity to strengthen and formalise the partnership between local government and the Victorian Government for the delivery of excellent, world quality library services for the whole Victorian community.”

(7)

The cost of implementing the

Victorian Library was a concern for a number of

respondents. It was noted that funding should not be diverted from the existing

Victorian Government funding for the concept.

“The redistribution of current Victorian Government funding will not be suffi cient and would result in signifi cant resourcing issues at the local level. Funding for initiatives in the Victorian Library concept needs to be in addition to the current core library funding.” Brimbank City Council

“The Colac Otway Shire supports the direction of the Stage 1 Report provided that the statewide initiatives are not funded from the current grant pool which provides essential operational funding for our libraries.” Colac Otway Shire Council

“Simple re-direction of the current State Government public library funding will not be acceptable and will cause signifi cant service delivery and resourcing issues at the local level.”

Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation

“This industry realises that it cannot be done without new money.”

Goulburn Valley Regional Library Corporation

“There is also the issue of who will fund the initiatives and this should not be Local Government, nor should it come from the existing recurrent funding to public libraries provided by the State Government.” Moreland City Council

“To realise the potential of the Victorian Library concept there would be a requirement for additional funds for staffi ng and operational costs...Council are quite concerned that the Victorian Library model will be implemented at an increased cost to the Mitchell community, likely through a reduction in core funding.” Mitchell Shire Council

“Swan Hill is concerned we will be fi nancially disadvantaged if required to support ongoing costs of the Victorian Library. Another concern is the potential loss of income from service fees charged by some library services.” Swan Hill Rural City Council

“We understand that there will be savings due to task replication, it is important that these savings are redistributed to Local Government Associations so that we can build on grassroot programs.”

Pyrenees Shire Council

“The critical issue is commitment from the state, around future funding of the Victorian Library concept to ensure ongoing success and sustainability. Funding required to implement the Victorian Library concept must be additional to recurrent funding to ensure that there is 100 per cent

(8)

“Implementation costs for the Victorian Library concept with its statewide vision will need to be fully funded by the State Government and not compromise existing recurrent funding.”

Greater Geelong City Council

“Establishing one Victorian Library is a huge logistical undertaking that will require the commitment from the sector and additional funding from government.”

Wimmera Regional Library Corporation

“A pool of growth funds should be provided to bring municipalities to a best practice comparable to national and international expectations...The vision of the Victorian Library could be provided as tied funding on top of the existing quantum.” Kingston City Council

“There is some concern that the approach to implementation may be rewarding historic underspending in other Local Government areas.” Bayside City Council

“Council seeks assurance that the state will not draw on Local Government ratepayer funding for the Victorian Library Vision development and implementation.” Boroondara City Council

“The MAV has previously provided extensive arguments in support of additional funding, which includes the strong association between library access and educational outcomes, the declining share of library funding provided by the Victorian Government over time and low funding in comparison to other states and territories.” Municipal Association of Victoria

“The VLGA strongly believes that any new funding arrangements which result in further cost shifting onto local governments, or that rely on cross subsidisation between local governments, will not achieve desired outcomes and may lead to inequitable funding allocations between metropolitan and regional and rural local governments. At the very least, the State Government must take responsibility for funding its own reform agenda.”

“A redistribution of current Victorian Government funding to meet the Stage 2 recommendations will not meet the sectors expectations and would have a major negative impact on local service delivery if addressed in that manner.” Public Libraries Victoria Network

“ERLC is gravely concerned that the establishment of the ‘Victorian Library’ may have minimal additional benefi ts for our communities and yet may result in a diversion of existing vital State funding of library services away from our Councils.” Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation

“Council would not support the concept if the strategy results in an increase in Council’s operating costs for the service or a reduction in service because of the appropriation of the existing limited funding pool.” Knox City Council

“Maroondah City Council is gravely concerned that the establishment of the Victorian Library may have minimal additional benefi ts for our local community and yet may result in a diversion of vital State funding of library services away from our Council.” Maroondah City Council

(9)

A business case outlining impact on library services was viewed as essential

prior to support of the

Victorian Library concept.

“We are a rural council and would like to see a comprehensive business case so that we can identify how it would affect us (e.g. transition management, impact on local systems, funding implications etc). We need more information and not a one-size-fi ts-all approach.”

Macedon Ranges Shire Council

“Fully developed business cases are required to test the value and benefi ts of the proposed initiatives in the Victorian Library concept.” Moreland City Council

“Swan Hill requests a detailed business case be provided by the State Government before commitment is given to any changes.” Swan Hill Rural City Council

“The considered development of a rigorous and comprehensive business case must follow to ensure that all aspects of the proposal are properly accounted for.”

East Gippsland Shire Council

“Monash cannot endorse these initiatives until a clear and detailed business case is available for analysis.” Monash City Council

“In our view the MAC proposal for the ‘Victorian Library’ - or more factually correct the ‘Local Government Library’ - is one that conceptually may be attractive, but without a comprehensive business plan, no council is in a position to make a decision as to its advantages and

disadvantages.” Municipal Association of Victoria

“Council agrees in principle to the Victorian Library concept however believes there needs to be a Business Case Analysis developed to fully explore the impact and requirements of the concept prior to Council formally endorsing the proposal.” Frankston City Council

“Thus, while we are favourable towards the Victorian Library model and can see enormous benefi ts particularly for the rural public library sector across the State, the extent to which the various initiatives proposed within the model are of benefi t to our library will depend upon the outcomes of a business case confi rming the overall cost-benefi t to the shire.”

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

“As the Victorian Government would appreciate, projects that require enhanced ICT capacity invariably carry delivery and fi nancial risks. It is important that the councils have a good appreciation of the costs and benefi ts as well as key risks – both at an aggregate level, but

(10)

“Before unqualifi ed support is given for the concept, fully developed, realistic and practical business cases must be developed for each initiative and each of these business cases must contribute to an overall integrated business case for the concept of the Victorian Library.”

Public Libraries Victoria Network

“ERLC believes that it is not possible to rate the proposals without a fully developed business case and in the absence of a State Government long term commitment to increased ongoing funding. Having attended the recent MAV forum, ERLC supports the sector’s expressed concern about committing to a model whose benefi ts and costs are not demonstrated, either at the statewide or local level.” Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation

“Council agrees, in principle, to the Victorian Library concept, however, further information in the form of a detailed business case is required to allow for greater and more meaningful consideration of the proposals outlined in the reports.” Golden Plains Shire Council

“A State funded business case and cost benefi t analysis needs to be undertaken for each Council which clearly demonstrates the level of benefi t of the proposed model.”

(11)

Many respondents noted that the Swift Consortium has already delivered some

of the initiatives described in the

Victorian Library concept.

“Many of the initiatives closely refl ect current work practices and services provided through the SWIFT Consortium.” Mitchell Shire Council

“Membership in the Swift Consortium (Swift) since 2008 puts Swan Hill in a position to understand fi rst hand the many benefi ts of working collaboratively with a large group of library services and insight into how the Victorian Library concept could feasibly work...Swan Hill sees the Victorian Library concept as an expansion of the ideals and cooperation already established by Swift. The concept provides the opportunity to achieve other initiatives which Swift cannot achieve to the same scale or on its own.” Swan Hill Rural City Council

“As a current member of the Swift Consortium we have a good understanding of this concept so philosophically are in favour of the Victorian Library.” Pyrenees Shire Council

“Our experience with Swift implementation is that such things come at a cost to WRLC, but we balance it against the benefi ts.” Wimmera Regional Library Corporation

“As a member of the Swift Consortium the Gannawarra Library Service feels we are well positioned to support many of the initiatives identifi ed in the Victorian Library concept.”

Gannawarra Shire Council

“The Swift Consortium is an excellent example of how the Victorian Library concept can work with the commitment and support of all stakeholders.” Latrobe City Council

(12)

Some respondents expressed concern that the

Victorian Library concept would

be of limited benefi t to their service, while others felt the administrative burden

would outweigh the benefi ts.

“Moreland does not support the concept of a statewide collection which would increase the carbon footprint by sending millions of loans unnecessarily across the state rather than waiting for locally available stock.” Moreland City Council

“Our member councils have signifi cant concerns about the concept of the Victorian Library and its potential to impact on the funding provided by the Victorian Government to our libraries.”

Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation

“It is understood that there may be (principally rural) library services that experience particular diffi culties due to relatively small scale of library operations. For these, the concept of a body that can bulk purchase, acquire RFID and a Library Management Systems and facilitate access to a larger collection may have great appeal...We are gravely concerned that the establishment of the Victorian Library may have minimal additional benefi ts for our communities but may result in a diversion of vital State funding of library services away from our member councils.”

“We are happy to provide comments/feedback regarding the Victorian Library concept, but while we have completed the survey feel uneasy about the simplicity of the survey.”

Goldfi elds Library Corporation

“Yarra City Council is not generally supportive of the overall concept of the Victorian Library because of the overarching risk that community ownership and responsiveness of local libraries might be lost. …concern about a number of elements and potential impacts of the Victorian Library concept including: that additional administrative burden might be placed on Council; that the identity of the libraries as treasured facilities and community hubs could be impacted; and that it is preferred that State resources be directed towards infrastructure and facilities and not additional administration and reporting requirements.” Yarra City Council

“The Swift Library Consortium model is fl awed: a single database is not always a greater

database, and one rule for all is not always the most effi cient and more frequently not as effective in the delivery of local services.” Insight Informatics

“Many of the identifi ed benefi ts of the new model, such as better economies of scale, the acquisition of shelf ready materials, the sharing of materials between library services, the right to use any library in Victoria and the use of social media by library services are already being successfully put in place under current arrangements.”

“Our ratepayers have already funded a substantial collection, a library management system and RFID technology. We already access bulk purchasing schemes and our service experiences substantial economies of scale. Our library service already benefi ts from the services that might be provided from a ‘Victorian Library’.” Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation

“Council, through the Eastern Regional Library Corporation (ERLC), is part of a consortium that has purchased a common system called SWIFT which has one LMS. It has already achieved economies of scale and Council considers a single state wide system is unlikely to deliver any

(13)

Enabling systems

“We consider all aspects of the enabling systems (single LMS, discovery layer, app,

and common cataloguing processing practices) would improve customer satisfaction

and library effi ciencies. A seamless network of public library resources across the state

would be a welcome initiative.” Wellington Shire Council

“As single Library Management Systems (LMS) have been instituted in Northern Ireland,

Denmark, Chile and Iceland as well as in South Australia and New Zealand, it is entirely

reasonable to assume that Victoria can achieve it also.” Frankston City Council

“The initiatives outlined relating to the enabling of systems are all worthy of support and

implementation. They will guarantee the Victorian community will have equal access

to information, resources and library services, either in person or online, regardless of

where they live, work, study or relax.” Latrobe City Council

“We support having a Victorian Library app as it adds value and brings libraries into the

future with how our communities now use electronic devices.”

Mildura Rural City Council

“Given the wide variety of formats and resources available though public libraries, a

one-stopshop discovery layer would benefi t the end user where they could locate all

resources available in public libraries.” Greater Dandenong City Council

Respondents were asked to rate from 1-5 the importance and benefi t of the following:

25 30

Importance Average Score 4.4

Establishing a single library management system (LMS)

• establishing a single library management system (LMS)

• developing a single discovery layer and integrated content management system

• developing a Victorian Library app • establishing common processing and

cataloguing practices.

(14)

25

15 20

10

5

Benefi t Average Score 4.0

25 30 15 20 10 5 0

5 4 3 2 1 25 15 20 10 5 0

5 4

3 2

1

Developing a single discovery layer and integrated content management system

Developing a Victorian Library app

(15)

Respondents indicated support for a common LMS and discovery layer. Some

saw this as a critical component of the Victorian Library concept that needs to

be set up before the other initiatives. A discovery layer was seen as important,

but needs to be locally tailored.

“We support an integrated library management system, discovery layer and integrated content management across the state but we will still need to be able to administer this on our own in our local areas to build our local content.” Ararat Rural City Council

“A statewide LMS is critical to the Victorian Library concept and to ensure ease of access to the collection, a Discovery Layer (DL) is vital. ... An important consideration in the implementation of a statewide library management system is to ensure that the system is a new generation system with maximum fl exibility.” Brimbank City Council

“A single LMS is integral to the establishment of the Victorian Library concept.”

Swan Hill Rural City Council

“Support for the purchase and implementation of a new Library Management System, in particular, would be fully supported by East Gippsland Shire.” East Gippsland Shire Council

“We support and integrated LMS, discovery layer and content management covering the state but will also need to administer this on our own in local areas to build our local content.”

Central Goldfi elds Shire Council

“The Library Management System is a priority for Council, as this is a planned item for Council to redevelop in the coming years...” Moonee Valley City Council

“Collaboration in back-of-house systems makes sense and can lead to signifi cant effi ciencies including cost savings and is supported in principle.” Greater Geelong City Council

“A single statewide Library Management System would be essential to the Victorian Library concept.” Maribyrnong City Council

“One Library Management System (LMS) will among other things, free the back-of-house staff to use their library skills in other more creative and meaningful ways to benefi t the local library users...” Wimmera Regional Library Corporation

“The single Library Management System is the fundamental component in the successful development of the Victorian Library concept, and to support user-friendly access the

(16)

“Bayside is primarily concerned that obstacles to borrowers moving between library services are removed, whether this is through a single LMS or increased inter-operability between existing LMS providers building on the clusters of like-systems that already exist across the state.” Bayside City Council

“...benefi ts to our patrons has been our priority and a statewide LMS with access to collections across the state would be an extension of the service we now offer.”

High Country Library Corporation

“Yarra City Council believes that some of the benefi ts arising from a single statewide Library Management System, single discovery layer and common cataloguing and processing practices would include reduced costs for resources and staffi ng effi ciencies from these arrangements.” Yarra City Council

“Establishment of a single LMS is central to the Victorian Library model and is highly supported. The other elements would be desirable but not essential and at best optional.”

(17)

Many library services already have a shared LMS through the Swift

Consortium. Respondents commented on the positive aspects of the SWIFT

project and lessons that can be utilised.

“By its membership in Swift, Council already has a library service that shares its library

management system (LMS) with 16 Victorian and 6 NSW libraries...There are still considerable improvements that could be made by moving to a single discovery layer and the full integration of content.” Campaspe Shire Council

“Swift already works towards common cataloguing to ensure the database has consistency and integrity.” Campaspe Shire Council

“WRLC implemented a regionally shared LMS – Swift in 2007. Swift goes part way to achieving in a regional sense, what the Victoria Library concept is aiming to achieve statewide.”

“Latrobe City Council is already successfully sharing one Library Management System (LMS) with 19 other Victorian libraries, one TAFE and six New South Wales libraries as a current member of the Swift Consortium...” Latrobe City Council

The idea of a single statewide Library Management System has been a point of discussion within the Victorian sector for many years now. Clearly the established Swift Consortium has made signifi cant inroads on this front, with close to 20 local libraries now participating and sharing the benefi ts of a broader collection base being available for their library members to access.” Port Phillip City Council

“As a Swift library we see the one LMS as a natural progression of the current consortium model.” West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation

“While the Swift model provides a comparative platform based on public library collaboration, there remains a number of fi nancial and administrative challenges that needs to be overcome to achieve statewide consistency. These include standardised fees and charges and potential cross collection of fees.” Boroondara City Council

“Last fi nancial year, Yarra borrowed over 64,000 items for its members from other Swift libraries.” Yarra City Council

“SWIFT has demonstrated that through a consultative process and management commitment, the development of the resource database (catalogue) with a single, high level cataloguing

(18)

Considering the cost of establishing the enabling systems.

“The establishment of a statewide integrated Library Management System will need to be funded by the State Government. This is essential to ensure that every library service takes up the new model.” Ararat Rural City Council

“While councils are the major stakeholders in the provision of public library services, the Board is supportive of the initiatives if they are funded appropriately.”

“At GVRLC we have decided that it is better to wait for another library to test and implement new advances in technology as we don’t have the development funds in our budget.”

Goulburn Valley Regional Library Corporation

“Funding incentives would be essential to support this arrangement. Decommissioning LibraryLink Victoria and redirecting these funds towards the Victorian Library project is an obvious direction to take.” Wimmera Regional Library Corporation

“The cost of the establishment of a single library management system across the state would be signifi cant. Along with the establishment costs are the recurrent costs associated with maintaining an adequate communication system within each library service and across the state. Funds will need to be available on an ongoing basis to maintain good quality comms.”

Monash City Council

“Use of a single LMS would require participant libraries to adopt common circulation policies including loan periods and fees and charges...Monash has budgeted to receive $27,000 from reservation fees and $112,000 from overdue fees in 2013/14. If the adoption of uniform fees and charges across the state was in place, Monash would experience a reduction in income.”

“...costs to establish this system were signifi cant and the current Swift Consortium is

supported by administrative and specialist staff members. Statewide costs will be even greater and will need State Government support to get this crucial element of the Victorian Library established.” Ballarat City Council

“Particularly there may be impacts on Council’s ability to raise income from a standardised fees and charges structure which may vary from Council’s current schedule. In principle, the agreement between Local and State Government should not limit Local Government’s ability to raise income through library fees and charges without offsetting this through an increase in State Government’s contribution.” Frankston City Council

“Not unlike other Victorian Public Library services, GLC’s localised back of house operations are both expensive and ineffi cient. To realise the potential of a single LMS, an independent, robust cost-benefi t analysis is paramount, including staffi ng costs, maintenance costs, planned obsolescence and eventually replacement costs...a common set of all standards across the system would be critical if we were to make all things equal to users. It’s about the community, not the library service (and their quirks).” Goldfi elds Library Corporation

(19)

The development of a

Victorian Library app for a variety of platforms to

increase the opportunities for customers to interact with the library service

was supported.

“The Victorian Library app is the extension that adds value to the back of house system that brings libraries into line with how our communities interact with electronic devices to access services and systems.” Brimbank City Council

“The ability to provide authoritative information on one centralised library portal would make for one very powerful resource to offer to all library users and in the days of mobile devices, tablets etc it would make sense to provide an app to enable the end user to access the information regardless of where they are.” Campaspe Shire Council

“Apps are important for any service wishing to remain relevant and connected with the

increasing number of people using a large range of mobile devices to conduct their daily lives.”

Swan Hill Rural City Council

“If the app was inclusively designed to allow for a range of disabled access, it could increase opportunities for many Victorians to become more engaged with the library experience.”

“There is a high demand and need for a library app to enable easy access to library resources including the ever growing digital collections via mobile gadgets.”

Greater Geelong City Council

“The development of a single discovery layer with integrated content management system and apps for mobile devices would signifi cantly improve the accessibility and experience for library users.” Latrobe City Council

“We see the Victorian public library app as an essential way for Victorians to access library services in the future and this could be another access point for the integrated content management system. Our library service is currently developing an app to access the catalogue but a supported statewide app would benefi t all Victorians.”

Greater Dandenong City Council

“It would be necessary for this to be developed. Who doesn’t have an app these days?”

(20)

The introduction of common approaches was viewed as important for to

improving customer access to materials. Respondents also felt it important to

allow for local tailoring of any standards.

“Common processing and cataloguing will create consistency across the state and reduce unnecessary duplication of work. Standardised cataloguing will be necessary to ensure the integrity of a statewide database. Centralised processing of materials will be much easier and faster if processing practices are standardised.” Swan Hill Rural City Council

“Wyndham fully supports further refi nements to cataloguing and processing practices that are not detrimental to library users. Minor customisation to suit local needs is preferable.”

Wyndham City Council

“We would hope that the statewide initiative, if it successfully implements much greater levels of standardisation in cataloguing and processing, will bring about effi ciencies gains.”

“Standard cataloguing and processing would enable customer access to materials and also bring cost effi ciencies.” Monash City Council

“Standardised cataloguing and processing practices have been informally endorsed by Frankston but continue to allow for collections to be tailored to their local communities.”

Frankston City Council

“If there was to be a statewide collection accessible to all, it would be logical to have common processing and cataloguing practices. However, there should always be the option for libraries to have a local or individual practice, to tailor their collections to their individual needs.”

“There are already adopted common processing and cataloguing standards (SLV) and it is important to use these standards while still having a level to customise to suit individual library needs. There would be some benefi ts to having common processing and cataloguing standards but this is not essential...” Ararat Rural City Council

“CAVAL has an extensive and successful track record of undertaking cataloguing and processing of print and media resources on behalf of public, academic and special library customers, both in Victoria and nationally...Opportunities exist for greater effi ciencies to be achieved in both the cost and timely delivery of shelf ready materials to public libraries...” CAVAL

“...improving effi ciencies are important, such as common processing/cataloguing and shelf-ready material.” Moonee Valley City Council

(21)

A number of additional ideas and initiatives to consider as part of the enabling

systems were suggested. Some respondents expressed concerns and

suggested alternatives.

“Any new LMS will need to be tested for vision impairment accessibility by disabled staff as well as client accessibility. The discovery layer offers the most potential to the VA as an opportunity for all to discover the rich content available to Victorians with a print disability.”

“The most important factor to consider is consistency for the public user in terms of

functionality. Accessibility is extremely important and needs to be considered and discussed with the wider library community.” Central Goldfi elds Shire Council

“A single discovery layer will be of importance, to improve how Victorians can access not just books but database and online reference material. Consideration should be given to whether this could be done without the introduction of one Library Management System.”

Moonee Valley City Council

“The most important factor to consider is consistency for the public user in terms of functionality which must be as similar and easy to use as Google. Community consultation is also essential here as anything that makes our libraries more accessible is important to consider and discuss with the wider library community.” Ballarat City Council

“Depending on the choice of Library management system, a separate/additional discovery layer may not be required as a searching tool.” Catalyst IT Australia Pty Ltd

“The benefi ts of a single LMS now seemed to have been partly overtaken by possibility of the application of a single discovery for Victoria. If this is possible, it eliminates the costs of converting data from various library management systems which may consume the savings from procuring a single LMS in the short term.” Corangamite Regional Library Corporation

“In consideration of the statewide access a key challenge is economic impact on existing LMS providers...We would recommend instead that an “ATM” solution is considered with multiple LMS packages maintained with an interface allowing accessibility with all card types.”

“A single discovery layer might be helpful to many but there are still many areas in regional Victoria where access to Internet is almost nil, and similarly access to an app sees the same obstacle.” Glenelg Shire Council

(22)

“Mitchell Shire Council is concerned about who will be the responsible governing body and who will take ownership for the ongoing support of these proposals.” Mitchell Shire Council

“At the present time Wyndham is not intending to procure a new Library Management System (LMS). If the vision of the Victorian Library is realised and Wyndham moved to a shared service LMS, input into selection of a new statewide LMS would be of paramount importance.”

“As well as the contractual constraints that apply to our situation, we are reluctant to waste our investment in terms of money and effort to move to a new LMS in the near future. MAC might consider an opt-in version to gradually build the Victorian Library concept.”

“How will a single, statewide project be managed to preserve the dynamic of the Victorian Library, the library’s ability to respond to local community needs and opportunities to leverage technology innovation?” Insight Informatics

“Believe that a discover layer is a preferable option to a single library system, allowing individual choice but that also supports collaboration and customer access. Library app would be well received.” Darebin City Council

“...if a discovery layer can be applied across all Library Management Systems, common cataloguing practises become less important.” Corangamite Regional Library Corporation “... the Victorian Library concept and the shared statewide collection cannot be an excuse for libraries to reduce their book funds and use the statewide collection rather than purchasing items themselves.” High Country Library Corporation

(23)

“A statewide collection that is developed to meet the information, recreation and

education needs for all Victorians can only be seen as the best way forward and would

benefi t all library members.” Campaspe Shire Council

“Hume believes that there are enormous benefi ts for all Victorians in making collections

available statewide, fi rst and foremost that the library’s resources are expanded. This is

probably the major benefi t for joining or creating a shared system. Hume City Council

“We strongly support the inherent potential that could be realised via the establishment

and effective maintenance of a statewide LOTE collection. This is an area that the sector

has struggled to grapple with in any meaningful way, and is one of those areas where a

collaborative approach to support more effi cient and equitable access to collections and

resources can yield enormous community benefi ts.” Port Phillip City Council

“The proposed common platform and consortium approach to acquiring and managing

digital resources is strongly supported.” Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

“Would like to see central eResources implemented as a priority. This is a relatively

easy aspect of the statewide initiatives and will have a great benefi t to the customers of

resource poor library services.” Colac Otway Shire Council

“A common platform will maximise usage, and be more easily accessible to the public

rather than a person having to deal with a different download method for each supplier.”

High Country Library Corporation

Collections and accessibility

Respondents were asked to rate from 1-5 the importance and benefi t of the following: • increased accessibility to a quality statewide

collection developed and owned by local government

• improved access to the statewide interlibrary loan service

• expanded statewide courier system to more effi ciently deliver interlibrary loans

• a statewide languages other than English (LOTE) collection

• a common digital platform consisting of two downloadable ebooks and eresources and digitised local history and heritage material.

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25 30 15 20 10 5 0

5 4 3 2 1 25 30 15 20 10 5

Improving access to the statewide interlibrary loan service

Expanding statewide courier system to more effi ciently deliver interlibrary loans

25 30 1 2 3 4 5 15 20 10 5 0

(25)

25 30 35 1 2 3 4 5 15 20 10 5 0

25 30 35 40 15 20 10 5 0

5 4

3 2

1

A common digital platform consisting of downloadable ebooks and eresources and digitised local history and heritage material.

(26)

There was wide spread support for improving access to the collection and

resources of libraries and an improved interlibrary loan system.

“The Mildura Rural City Council Library Service does give their community access to collections on a smaller scale through SWIFT and see the benefi t that a statewide collection would bring to the Victorian community, so we support this initiative.” Mildura Rural City Council

“...Board is supportive of the initiatives if they are funded appropriately.”

“Developing a statewide collection with a single database would make access to all these materials simpler for every library customer.” Swan Hill Rural City Council

“Access to a statewide collection through a common LMS, a single discovery layer, improved courier services and the inter-library loan service is invaluable to East Gippsland. The potential impact, however, of a vastly increased movement of stock as a result of these initiatives would need to be carefully managed.” East Gippsland Shire Council

“Elements of collections and accessibility provide real opportunities for resource sharing across the state maximising potential use of resources both physical and eresources. It is important for Local Government to maintain control over selection of physical collections held by services and that stock loaned is returned to libraries from which they are sourced.” Wellington Shire Council

“It is true that a statewide collection has the potential to reduce costs for libraries by reducing capital expenditure on the collection. The collection budget is one of the few adjustable costs associated with library operations. Collection management across the state would need to be monitored and coordinated to ensure content refl ects local demand, reduce duplication and preserves specialist and rarer collections.” Wimmera Regional Library Corporation

“It is apparent the concept of access to a statewide collection is feared by some councils. The misconception that local shelves will be stripped is alarming to some. The establishment of agreed guidelines on the sharing of stock and the setting of appropriate LMS parameters can all safeguard the availability of local collections within their local communities.”

Latrobe City Council

“We believe that statewide inter library loans are essential for this concept to be successful and should be a seamless system for borrowers to use.” Ararat Rural City Council

“Concerns in relation to statewide unfettered access to individual libraries collections, but supportive of improved ILL (interlibrary loan) services.” Darebin City Council

“Were the Victorian Library concept to be realised the current statewide interlibrary loan service has the potential of being absorbed into the system’s capabilities. This could then create opportunities to expand partnerships, initiatives and resource sharing with educational and academic libraries, as well as state and national libraries.” Gannawarra Shire Council

“Access to the statewide interlibrary loan system will be dramatically improved by introducing one LMS…There are also no charges within the Swift group. Morphing the LibraryLink Victoria

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It is important to some respondents that restrictions be put in place to both

limit the number of interlibrary loans and ensure an appropriate level of

investment by all participating library services.

“As a member of the Swift Consortium our experience shows that 90 per cent of loans come from our own collections and the rest from across the state. Certain rules have been set up with the Swift consortium to ensure that local borrowers get priority for their own items with regard to placing holds, this needs to be made clear to other LGAs and libraries that are concerned about overuse of their collections by other libraries.” Ararat Rural City Council

“It is recommended that collection building in future has two tiers and funded separately: 1/. Items commonly purchased by all libraries ( e.g. Best Sellers, Adult Fiction standing orders, Premier’s Reading Challenge ) to be funded by State, thereby consolidating market power for procurement 2/. Local priority purchases – specialist collections (e.g. Local History, specifi c community interests and needs) to be funded by local government. Wellington Shire Council

“To make most effi cient use of shared resources it would be a high priority for the LMS or discovery layer to not display other libraries’ holdings of titles held locally and that a policy of purchasing customer requests for items under two years old be implemented.”

Corangamite Regional Library Corporation

“It will be important to allow library services to place some restrictions on access to some areas of their collections e.g. fragile, local collections, stock not easily moved (big books), fi rst time use on bestseller titles etc.” Wimmera Regional Library Corporation

“Gannawarra are a net lender within the Swift Consortium. For Council this highlights two key points: fi rstly, the development of local collections must be maintained to directly support the recreation, cultural, information and education needs of the community being immediately serviced as well as the wider Victorian network; secondly, the sharing of a statewide collection is intrinsically dependent on a quality statewide library management system and a highly effi cient courier system.” Gannawarra Shire Council

“Consideration needs to be given to how a level of equity can be established for ongoing commitment to investment in collections.”

“It is critical that if the Victorian Library is introduced, that ALL libraries share collections. It would defeat the purpose if libraries quarantined specifi c parts of their collections from the possibility of

(28)

It was recognised that to enable a statewide collection and enhanced

interlibrary loan accessibility the courier service would need to be improved.

“Increased movement of collections across the state is heavily dependent on a highly effi cient courier system that manages the delivery of items within an agreed timeframe, without an increased cost burden for Local government.” Brimbank City Council

“If individual library collections become part of a statewide collection, the courier service needs to be improved to assist libraries to manage the increased number of items which will move between library services.” Swan Hill Rural City Council

“GRLC supports upgrading the courier service to enable faster circulation of materials between library services.” Greater Geelong City Council/Geelong Regional Library Corporation

“Having a fully funded courier service would assist with the cost of delivering a statewide delivery service. Greater Dandenong City Council

“The establishment of a more effi cient courier service is an issue that is overdue for resolution… Equally important for future planning is the issue of the growing carbon footprint left by current practice, where the environmental cost of sending resources across the state may exceed the cost of the resource. For a sector that prides itself on an environmental commitment through the practice of loaning resources, this is an issue that requires priority action.”

Boroondara City Council

“A statewide courier system is a far more effective way to courier items around the state, all libraries will need some subsidy for this system and an effective way of sorting the items to move around the state must be established such as key sorting centres in specifi c geographic locations.” Ararat Rural City Council

“The courier system that is currently in place will require signifi cant expansion and review if it is used to move stock around effi ciently from library service to library service.”

Campaspe Shire Council

“Our corporation spends more on branch to branch couriering than the annual cost of the Library Management System (equivalent of nearly 20 per cent of the resources budget). Improved access to the statewide collection does need controls to ensure that the cost of courier service is not being increased because patrons have no limits to their requests.”

Warrnambool City Council

“WRLC will be looking for greater government subsidy of the courier system. The government funded DX must be extended to accommodate the full volume of interlibrary loan traffi c.”

“A far greater challenge is the physical movement of stock between locations. Critical to the success of the Victorian Library’s goal of a shared collection is the implementation of a branch to branch, not service to service, courier service...In addition to this space requirements are strained when stock is delivered to one branch prior to being redistributed.”

(29)

“By far the most important of these to Swift is the implementation of an effective and cost justifi ed courier system for the transfer of interlibrary loan materials.

Swift Library Consortium

“With regard to the physical movement of stock, work needs to be done not only to expand the courier service but ensure it operates in the most effi cient/effective manner possible. It will not override FCC courier services which operate within the municipality.”

Frankston City Council

“The courier service is in dire need of review. The additional costs over and above the DX courier service has been a factor working against new libraries joining Swift...Courier direct to the branch is preferred, however for those branches not open all day (or for as little as two hours per week) the Regional Support Centre base will still need to maintain processing capacity to handle small libraries and mobile library stocks.”

“...the continual challenge for us is the cost of the courier. It would be necessary for sustained government support for a courier service, whether it is the DX service or an alternative, to facilitate movement...costs for transport have grown considerably since Swift’s inception, not just between library services but also between our branches.”

“As materials will to need to travel between library services it would be benefi cial to all libraries if the courier service also undertook the pickup and delivery of collections/materials within our own library service (intralibrary loans).” Goldfi elds Library Corporation

(30)

A statewide languages other than English (LOTE) collection received wide

spread support particularly as it would support libraries that service smaller

CALD communities.

“We see this as a very important concept. Currently Mildura Rural City Council has over 45 difference ethnic groups in its community. The Mildura Library up until a few years ago did hold a LOTE collection in fi ve different languages, but given our wider diversity but small numbers of people in each ethnic group, the collection was no longer useful. The Library Service could not afford to hold a collection in each of these languages. We know interlibrary loan LOTE material is required.” Mildura Rural City Council

“YPRL already has a signifi cant LOTE collection however a statewide collection that was available for emerging communities would be very advantageous to us.”

“The Swan Hill community would benefi t from a statewide LOTE collection. The number of people speaking each of the various languages within our community is too few to justify spending money on the development of specifi c language collections. Collections which can be shared around the state would ensure better use of resources...” Swan Hill Rural City Council

“Wyndham’s libraries service an increasingly diverse community and a statewide LOTE collection would be of particular benefi t to our community. Procuring shelf-ready LOTE materials is

expensive and a collaborative approach would likely realise savings and an improved state LOTE collection.” Wyndham City Council

“There is also a growing demand for accessible LOTE collections amongst multicultural print disability communities.” Vision Australia Information Library Service

“It is agreed that a statewide collection would enable a statewide LOTE collection providing effi ciencies in the procurement of LOTE materials, particularly for areas that have small or transient CALD communities. This would be of great benefi t to GRLC which currently is not able to establish collections in particular languages due to a lack of critical mass in non-English speaking language groups, making any attempt to develop in those languages unviable.”

Greater Geelong City Council/Geelong Regional Library Corporation

“The establishment of a statewide LOTE collection would greatly benefi t our community by providing the variety of material we are currently unable to carry due to space and budgetary limitations. In addition, a statewide LOTE collection would support small, isolated CALD and refugee communities.” Latrobe City Council

“We support the statewide LOTE collection idea. WGRLC does not have such a collection and currently relies on its Swift partners and other public libraries to fi ll any requirements.”

“Greater Dandenong supports the investigation into the feasibility of a statewide fl oating LOTE collection.” Greater Dandenong City Council

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“Bayside strongly supports the development of a statewide collection of languages other than English as we have small, statistically insignifi cant, CALD communities who require material in their fi rst language to fully engage with the library.” Bayside City Council

“The establishment of a statewide LOTE collection will promote effi ciencies in the procurement and provision of these resources in a number of ways. Firstly, the centralised procurement of LOTE materials will drive greater cost effi ciency and effectiveness in their sourcing and supply. Secondly, in combination with the concept of a centralised “fl oating” LOTE collection, it can also be anticipated that substantial economies of scale will be achieved through a centralised procurement model.” CAVAL Ltd

“City of Boroondara supports the development of a statewide LOTE (Language Other than English) collection, particularly for the establishment of collections for small and emerging culturally and linguistically diverse communities... Again, funding by the State Government to establish and maintain a statewide LOTE collection is vital.” Boroondara City Council

“Yarra would be interested in looking at how collections of languages other than English could be provided to accommodate changing demographics in local communities, without local ownership of resources being compromised.” Yarra City Council

“With a statewide collection, the need for fl oating LOTE collections would be substantially reduced. Potentially there are greater effi ciencies in establishing strong collaborative procurement and processing processes that would result in cost savings that could be reinvested in LOTE collections.” Brimbank City Council

“The challenges for MLS are in the lack of resources available for purchasing for emerging languages, and the high costs relating to making LOTE resources shelf ready. A system of collaborative purchasing and processing of LOTE resources (particularly cataloguing) would be a positive step forward.” Maribyrnong City Council

“Potentially there are greater effi ciencies in establishing strong collaborative procurement and processing systems for English language and other materials that would result in cost savings for reinvestment in LOTE collections.” Public Libraries Victoria Network

(32)

A common digital platform was supported by the majority of respondents and

was seen as a critical component of the library of the future.

“Common digital platform would be welcome and embraced.” Darebin City Council

“Public libraries have been grappling with the most appropriate approach to providing eresources and ebooks to their customers. One centralised platform that provides equal access to a range of ‘e’ information and digitised resources would certainly complement what Campaspe already provides. Ebooks and similar resources are often cost prohibitive for many libraries, however a centralised model would offer considerable cost savings.”

Campaspe Shire Council

“To have a common platform for digital materials would be supported by our Library Service. This would ensure consistency across the State.” Mildura Rural City Council

“Digital collections do not need to be transported between libraries, shelved or repaired. There is also an environmental benefi t of not having to transport materials between libraries.”

“Wellington endorses the proposal for a common platform for digital material.”

Wellington Shire Council

“VA is keen to increase access to its 26,000 audio books amongst the Victorian public library system and to offer a range of ways to access the content using mainstream technology used by all public libraries.” Vision Australia Information Library Service

“Central eResources will benefi t customers of resource poor libraries and is therefore a priority. In addition, libraries such as Port Fairy receive many travelling tourists who would access this resource using 1 library card.” Moyne Shire Council

“Our Corporation would like to see central eResources implemented as a priority. This is a relatively easy aspect of the statewide initiatives and will have a great benefi t to the customers of resource poor library services. As part of this implementation it would be desirable to track use by borrower post code. Marketing then could be targeted to areas under represented in use.”

Corangamite Regional Library Corporation

“GRLC strongly supports the development of a common platform for digital material and sees this as a critical priority. The complex and changing nature of technology makes it diffi cult for some individual public library services to provide e-collections. GRLC supports the development of both a statewide collection of downloadable eBooks and eresources and the second

platform for providing access to digitised local history and heritage material for use by all Victorians.” Greater Geelong City Council/Geelong Regional Library Corporation

“MLS strongly supports the development of a statewide eresources platform.”

(33)

“Monash supports the development of statewide subscriptions to popular digital material. Statewide consortium for ebooks should include access to CALD resources.”

“Movement to a statewide e-collection supported by a single discovery layer would greatly assist libraries in moving to eresources and in providing a consistent, equitable and user friendly eresource service.” Gannawarra Shire Council

“Applying a cohesive approach in the emerging digital arena, by adopting a common

platform for digital material as proposed in the areas of downloadable ebooks and resources and for local history and heritage materials would be both encouraged and welcomed.”

Port Phillip City Council

“A common digital platform has potential useful applications depending on functionality.”

“A statewide approach on a new digital platform would assist libraries such as ours to offer a new service to the public. The work with the state library on digitisation needs to be continued and expanded. It’s the development of content that is of most interest to us.”

“A common platform will maximise usage, and be more easily accessible to the public rather than a person having to deal with a different download method for each supplier. Digitised local history material is an under-utilised resource – a common platform will make this material accessible to a much wider audience.” High Country Library Corporation

“The development of a common platform to access ebooks and local history collections has a twofold benefi t. The provision of ebook access is currently an inconsistently provided resource across the state.” Boroondara City Council

“A common search platform is a sensible approach to access collection locations from around the state...Digitisation of these valued and valuable resources, particularly rare and fragile records are a unique statewide resource and should be considered as a key initiative that is ongoing and sustainable.” Goldfi elds Library Corporation

“Yarra would be very interested in a digital platform for ebooks and digitised local history material. There are various issues such as copyright and reproduction issues which would need to be addressed in the delivery of this initiative.” Yarra City Council

(34)

Some respondents expressed concerns regarding the initiatives that form the

collections and accessibility section, particularly how they would affect their

own collection if implemented.

“Concerns in relation to statewide unfettered access to individual libraries collections, but supportive of improved ILL services. Internal costs to support unregulated movement of stock are an issue along with OHS concerns.” Darebin City Council

“It all sounds good in principle but there is not enough information about how the change will be implemented and the transition period managed to determine how it will impact on rural councils.” Macedon Ranges Shire Council

“Moreland Council does not support the concept of a statewide collection which would increase the carbon footprint by sending millions of loans unnecessarily across the state rather than waiting for locally available stock. Moreland has the second highest (LOTE) collection of items in community languages in the state and is already a net lender of items to other libraries by 2:1, but this fi gure would be nearly 7:1 if it supplied all the items currently requested…”

Moreland City Council

“For a Victorian Library concept to successfully operate there needs to be an effi cient and cost-effective way to transport materials across the state to fulfi l requests without duplicating items already held by the requesting library. The system would need to be designed to ensure that local borrowers have priority access to local items when required. The detailed information to provide these answers is not yet available. Mitchell Shire is concerned that the costs, both fi nancial and environmental, associated with the movement of these materials would have a negative impact on the service offered.” Mitchell Shire Council

“Wyndham has a relatively new collection and is concerned at the potential of these newer items being highly sought after across Victoria. These concerns would be mitigated if allocated core funding is required to be spent on collections, to possibly a per capita dollar value.”

“Council suggests there may need to be an incentive for local government to participate, particularly if lending material more regularly and widely than what is currently done.”

Moonee Valley City Council

“With regard to a statewide collection, interlibrary loan system and courier service these are all important elements of an effective VL model, however their importance to Mornington Peninsula is not as critical due to our high collection expenditure, self-reliant approach to resources

provision and practice.” Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

“Inter Library Loans for Glenelg Shire Council Library have averaged 200 items incoming and 200 items outgoing per year and this total fi gure of 400 items per annum is less than 1 per cent of total loans per annum. Compare this with the Swift estimate of 5 per cent of total loans for Inter Library Loans and this increase jumps to 6000 items per annum.” Glenelg Shire Council