SLWA releases 2018-2022 strategic plan

24 October 2018 Books+Publishing

The State Library of Western Australia (SLWA) has released its strategic plan for 2018-2022.

The key objectives of the strategic plan include: to embrace digital transformation by creating easier access to information sources and continuing to implement a digital legal deposit, to build skills for the future by working with government and community groups and upskilling staff, and to be a state library for everyone, including the delivery of cultural and learning programs for community engagement.

Opportunities and challenges are also recognised in the plan, including bridging the digital needs of the community. The 2017 Australian Digital Inclusion Index, cited in the strategic plan, ranks WA below the national average for digital inclusion indicating a ‘significant digital divide’ in the state corresponding to income, education and employment levels.

‘This poses a challenge to Western Australia’s economic competitiveness, wellbeing and civic engagement,’ states the plan. ‘It also provides opportunity for libraries, including the state library, to build skills and capacity in the community and to provide technology to reduce the impact of this divide.’

Other challenges mentioned in the report include: the need for flexible multi-use spaces alongside the traditional bookshelves, continual review of library processes to meet changing community needs in a constrained financial environment, better consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to aid reconciliation and strengthen community, and to improve the digital skills of all state library staff.

For the full details of the SLWA 2018-2022 strategic plan, click here.

Category: Library news