Libraries Building Communities

Libraries Building Communities is the first comprehensive Australian study looking at the value public libraries bring to their communities. Managed by the Public Libraries Unit, the study was initiated by the Library Board of Victoria and the Victorian Public Library Network. One of the most extensive research projects undertaken in this area, the study included every public library in Victoria (44 libraries with 238 branches), and sought the views and ideas of almost 10,000 people via online and telephone surveys, focus groups and interviews.

The research aims to increase community awareness of the range of public library services and show how public libraries can help achieve government policy goals. For library staff it:

• presents clear new data on the contribution libraries make to their communities
• provides case studies that show how Victorian public libraries lead in innovation
• identifies groups that are not currently well served by their libraries, and offer solutions
• builds awareness of the critical social capital and community role of public libraries.

Libraries Building Communities (2005)

The findings of the study were presented in four reports, and are summarised in an Executive Summary.

Report One: Setting the Scene

Covers the concept of community building, the Victorian Government's policy agenda, the Victorian public library network, project methodology, and relevant research.

Report Two: Logging the Benefits

Outlines the community views on the role and benefits of public libraries.

Report Three: Bridging the Gaps

Provides socio-economic demographic profiles of library users and non-user, as well as strategies for bridging the perceived gaps in public library service delivery.

Report Four: Showcasing the Best

Gives over 30 examples of innovation and excellence in Victorian public libraries.

How to obtain a copy of this publication

You can download a copy of the Libraries Building Communities report below. Alternatively, you can purchase a boxed set of the report from the Library's Online Shop.

  Executive Summary PDF 474kb
  Report 1 PDF 323kb
  Report 2 PDF 1mb
  Report 3 PDF 1.05mb
  Report 4 PDF 734kb

Library User Census and Survey Project (2006)

In 2006, a short Library Census captured information about the demographic profile of around 33,000 Victorian public library users. In addition, a detailed Library Survey gathered information about library users, library use, satisfaction and benefits from more than 12,000 people. The statewide findings of the Libraries Building Communities research have been compiled into a report.

How to obtain a copy of this publication

You can download a copy of this publication below.

 Report 1: Statewide Analysis and Comparisons PDF 531kb

Report Four: Showcasing the Best: Volume 2 (2008)

In 2007, a second volume of case studies was compiled of some of the many innovative and excellent programs offered by Victorian public libraries that strengthen their communities.

How to obtain a copy of this publication

You can download a copy of this publication below.

 Report 4: Showcasing the Best: Volume 2 PDF 1.1mb

Connecting with the Community (2008)

In 2007, further qualitative research was undertaken with five groups identified in the 2005 reports as 'hard to reach' for public libraries: Indigenous Australians; disadvantaged young people; Horn of Africa communities; low-income families and vulnerable learners.

How to obtain a copy of this publication

You can download a copy of the full Connecting with the Community report, or individual sections according to target groups, below.

 Connecting with the Community Report PDF 1mb (full report)

 Part A: Indigenous Australians PDF 380kb
 Part B: Disadvantaged young people PDF 359kb
 Part C: Horn of Africa communities PDF 397kb
 Part D: Low-income families PDF 376kb
 Part E: Vulnerable learners PDF 307kb

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