The UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance (UTS IPPG) was engaged by Civica Libraries to undertake research about the value of libraries as public spaces. The research informed a new report from Civica Libraries, ‘The Intrinsic Value of Libraries as Public Spaces’, which was launched by Associate Professor and UTS IPPG Director Roberta Ryan at the recent Civica Expo.
The research included a tailored survey that was completed by library and council staff across Australia and New Zealand, a focus group with council and library representatives, and data analysis from the Institute’s Regional Library Management Models and Why Local Government Matters research. The findings have provided unique views and perspectives on the value of libraries as public spaces.
The report looks at how libraries are changing, and key issues that need addressing to ensure libraries remain relevant and a central part of community life. The future vision of a library is seen as a one-stop-shop providing community support from unemployment assistance to health advice and to community learning and business development.
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Read more about the new report on the Civica Libraries website.
