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This paper values the contributions Victorian public libraries make to the community by applying a formal cost benefit assessment framework - the preferred evaluation framework of economists - to articulate and quantify in dollar terms the benefits conferred by public libraries to library users and nonusers. The annual costs are contrasted with an assessment of annual benefits using three different valuation techniques: contingency valuation, travel costs and financial savings. The results identify that the benefits of public libraries significantly outweigh their costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Words on Wheels Storytellers takes the library beyond four walls and reaches out to older adults who can no longer visit the library. It provides a positive and creative volunteering experience and a free and regular program at a number of aged care facilities in the Shire of Campaspe, Victoria. It aims to bring the residents together to foster the love of reading, to listen and to share recollections. An award winning combination of reading, storytelling and reminiscence, it seeks to improve the daily lives of all the individuals involved, whether it is the volunteers, the coordinators or the listeners. Edited version of a paper presented at the Next Chapters conference, State Library of NSW 1-2 May 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'Good practice guide on library services for older people' was commissioned by the UK Department of Health in 2008. This paper focuses on the development of its content. Key policies give context with pointers to identifying older people now and their needs, involving older people in developing services, and working in partnerships. Elements for developing a comprehensive strategy include consultation, staff participation, ensuring a comfortable and encouraging environment, marketing, diversity and inclusiveness, partnerships, use of checklists, resources, and evaluation and advocacy. Edited version of a paper presented at the Next Chapters conference, State Library of NSW 1-2 May 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fifth annual Report to the Notion by Friends of Libraries Australia surveys the recognition of the importance of reading in Australia. it concludes that increased political awareness of public libraries, funding of their collections, and the recognition of reader development as core strategic business throughout the Australian public library system, are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A position paper prepared in January 2008 by Friends of Libraries Australia (Fola) following the election of a new Australian federal government committed to an educational revolution for the nation. It aims to assist with the strategic positioning and funding of Australia's public library system within a whole of Australian government — national, state and local — and a national educational context. It may be accessed at www.fola.org.au. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2007 survey of Australian public libraries by Friends of Libraries Australia confirmed that they generally place a high emphasis on resources and services for babies, carers, children and young people as part of their unique remit to meet the needs of people of all ages. It also confirmed that babies, children and young people represent a high proportion of the users of public libraries, but that they are often not attracting teenagers. Usage by children and young people was reported to be increasing by 82% of the survey respondents. Many of the respondents were frustrated at their inability to provide better services and resources to their younger users due to lack of council and state (particularly from the NSW government) support, funding, staffing, and congested libraries unattractive to young people in particular. Other barriers to use identified included poor evening and weekend opening hours, the reluctance of parents to transport their children to the library, poor public transport, poor library parking, and lack of marketing of the library's resources and services. Only 34% of the survey respondents indicated that their local government councils had a strategic policy commitment to supporting children and young people within the council's area. Shortened version of a report to the nation by Friends of Libraries Australia available at www.fola.org.au. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The notion that public libraries have a social impact is an old one, and several studies to demonstrate this exist. These studies are reviewed in the context that social inclusion and community building have emerged as a central theme in government policy. However the literature on the role of public libraries in building social capital remains sparse. It is clear that the community, governing bodies and academic are largely unaware of their existing and potential contribution to social capital. The onus is on public libraries, and their associations, to educate, promote and advocate this role to members of the community and beyond. Edited and shortened version of chapter 2 of the author's MA thesis `Public libaries as developers of social capital: changing roles, values and missions' University of South Australia 2004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses how public libraries in Australia have progressed through all the political changes that have shaped the 20th century. Reason for the concern of the local government on public libraries; Political motives behind the building of libraries; Various views on libraries.

Looks at the overall patterns consequent on the introduction of compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) and considers some of the directions taken by libraries in Victoria. Expenditures of public library sector; Government initiatives for Victorian public libraries; Developments.

Focuses on the research program of the Libraries Working Group of the Australian Cultural Ministers Council to explore effective response by public libraries to meeting information and cultural needs of Australians. National framework for cultural development; Statistics; Membership; Accountability; Issues; Expectations.

Discusses the findings of a survey conducted in 1988 on public libraries in Victoria, British Columbia. Lack of preparation for the management reporting system proposed by the Victorian government; Inadequacy to meet accountability reviews.

Public libraries are well positioned to be hubs for civic engagement. Get involved: powered by your library is a California State Library initiative designed to raise awareness among public libraries about how volunteer engagement can benefit both the library and the community, and build the capacity of California's public libraries to engage and support volunteers more effectively. Edited version of a paper presented at the Next Chapters conference, State Library of NSW 1-2 May 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author discusses aspects of an article within the issue regarding the methodology and outcomes of a 2011 report titled "Dollars, Sense and Public Libraries," by researchers from SGS Economics. Also discussed is what public library advocates will need to do to see a return on library investment.

The author opines regarding improvements in library accessibility in Australia and allocation of the costs of providing same. Statistics are provided on the amount of money that Australia spends on public library services with comparisons to Denmark noted. The author blames Australian government policies for a shortfall in public library funding.