The Civica Libraries technology roadshow recently took place in cities across Australia and New Zealand. The roadshow events included the launch of the latest UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance research report in the Changing Landscape for Libraries series The Intrinsic Value of Libraries as Public Spaces : Physical-Digital, Communicating the New Normal. This latest research focuses on how online library spaces (through library websites and digital platforms) are valued and currently experienced. Through survey responses from approximately 600 library users, the research suggests that online library experiences has not yet matched the experience of using a physical library space, and library users are anticipating a more seamless experience in libraries of the future.
Library members want a more user-friendly experience with better access, readability and integration across different services, and requested more online engagement with library social media. In addition to the citizen view, library managers were also interviewed to gain perspectives on the shift towards greater online presence and services, which provided great insights into the challenges and opportunities for libraries when adapting to digital delivery. The findings from the research suggest that both physical and online library presences are regarded as important and that libraries of the future will continue to improve digital user experience by engaging in new ways with communities and collaborating with vendors, industry partners and government to advocate for and enhance digital library services. A copy of the report can be accessed online.
Alongside the launch and presentation of the research by Sophi Bruce and Roberta Ryan from the Institute for Public Policy and Governance, the roadshow events included a keynote from international author and speaker Marshall Breeding on current trends impacting libraries and the technologies which can help manage collections and services in that context and the launch of the updated version of Spydus10, Civica’s web based and hosted library management system. Guest library speakers also presented at each event. In Wellington Kim Tairi from Auckland University of Technology provided her thoughts and experience on library technology innovation. Katie Norton from Whitehorse Manningham Library presented at the Melbourne event on their recent ‘Remarkable Women’ project Telling old stories new ways that focused on using digital mediums to tell stories hidden in the library collections. At the Sydney event Mark Norman from Wollongong Libraries spoke on how their libraries are working to engage with the community on transforming library spaces, and in Brisbane Nic Kilah from Lockyer Valley presented some of the opportunities and challenges that their libraries are facing when increasing their digital presence. At the Perth event Jess Morgana from the City of Rockingham presented on the online portal that council is using to connect and engage with the community.
The roadshow events were attended by approximately 250 participants working in the library sector.
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The presentations are now available online here
The Civica Changing Landscape Report can be found here
For further information on the research please contact sophi.bruce@uts.edu.au.