New inquiry into ACT public libraries

15 August 2018 Books+Publishing

The ACT Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Environment and Transport and City Services has announced a new committee inquiry into the future of the territory’s public libraries.

The inquiry into ACT public libraries follows a federal parliamentary inquiry into Canberra’s national institutions—including the National Library of Australia—that was conducted earlier this year. It will look into the current and future need for library sites and the best, most cost-effective model of service.

Committee chair Suzanne Orr said that the committee wanted to hear from ‘as many people as possible’ about what worked well and what could be improved in ACT public libraries.

‘The future of libraries is an important and evolving topic for communities and governments in the digital world,’ said Orr. ‘The committee aims to make this inquiry accessible to a diverse range of Canberrans, both library members and non-members, so we can learn how libraries can engage with and provide services to different groups of people in the ACT.’

The inquiry will be conducted with reference to the role of libraries in the ACT community; current practices, revisions to practices and opportunities for community involvement; community demand for various library services including digital and non-digital offerings, training opportunities, learning spaces, and the possibility of other government services being made available at the libraries; and the location, opening hours and accessibility of libraries.

The committee will accept submissions until 21 September 2018; for information about how to make a submission, click here.

Category: Library news