New report highlights benefits of investing in Australian libraries
A new report commissioned by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has found that every $100 invested in Australian public libraries delivers $290 in benefits for local communities. The...
Yarra Plenty Regional Library to provide collection, program and training support for Murrindini Library Service
In Victoria, the Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) has announced that it will provide collection, online, program and training services to the Murrindindi Library Service (MLS). Under the new agreement, MLS, which...
SLV, PLVN launch strategic framework for Victorian public libraries
The State Library of Victoria (SLV) and the Public Libraries Victoria Network (PLVN) launched a new strategic framework for public libraries in Victoria this month. The Victorian Public Libraries 2030...
In brief
ALIA releases draft principles on ebook lending The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has released a set of draft principles on ebook lending in Australian libraries, which will guide...
Reilly and Fox top PLR, ELR charts
Books by Matthew Reilly and Mem Fox have topped the 2011-12 lists of the highest scoring titles in the Public Lending Rights (PLR) and Educational Lending Rights (ELR) schemes. Reilly’s...
NSW public libraries to share in $2.5 million funding boost
Public libraries across New South Wales will receive $2.5 million in grants in the latest round of the 2013 Library Development Grants and Country Libraries Fund. NSW Arts Minister George...
Melbourne council allocates funding to Docklands, Carlton libraries
The City of Melbourne Council has allocated new funding to libraries in the Docklands and Carlton in its 2013-14 draft budget. The council has committed $6.5 million to complete the...
In brief
Gold Coast libraries may consider commercialising services The Gold Coast City Council may consider partnering its library services with commercial organisations such as bookshops, reports goldcoast.com.au. A number of funding options...
New city libraries for Perth, Adelaide
Plans are underway to build new city libraries in Perth and Adelaide. Construction is set to begin on the City of Perth’s proposed $33.3 million public library and plaza, which...
In brief
Mudgee Library reopens The Mudgee branch of the Mid-Western Regional Council Library in New South Wales has reopened after extensive renovations, reports the Mudgee Guardian. The library is housed in...
NSW Government to replace public school library system, introduce state-wide ebook collection
The New South Wales Department of Education and Training has called for tenders for a new public schools library management system, which will include state-wide access to ebooks. The department...
In brief
UK library expert to deliver SLV Foxcroft Lecture The State Library of Victoria (SLV)’s 2013 Foxcraft Lecture will be delivered by British library expert David Pearson. The library said that...
Second consultation paper for NSLA, ABS survey redevelopment project released
The second consultation paper for the Australian Public Library Statistics Survey Redevelopment Project, a joint project of the National & State Libraries Australasia (NSLA) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics...
Council endorses plans for new Rockdale library
The Rockdale City Council in New South Wales will proceed with plans to build a new $16 million library, reports the St George & Sutherland Shire Leader. After deferring voting...
Upper Murray Regional Library to close in June
The Upper Murray Regional Library (UMRL), a cross-border organisation that provides library services in north east Victoria and southern New South Wales, will close at the end of June. UMRL...
ALIA releases benchmarking calculator for public libraries
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has created a performance calculator for public libraries, which is designed to help library managers measure their library’s performance against national standards and...
International Library News
Patterson remains most borrowed author at UK public libraries James Patterson has topped the most borrowed author list at UK public libraries for the sixth year running, according to the...
New libraries open in NSW, WA; construction underway for libraries in Albury, Melbourne
A number of new libraries in Australia have recently opened, while others are under construction or awaiting construction. In Byron Bay, NSW, a new $3.75 million library has now opened. As previously reported by...
Newcastle Region Library adds EBL ebooks to collection
The Newcastle Region Library has more than doubled its ebook collection, after signing with Ebook Library (EBL). The Newcastle Herald reports that the library has added 3500 new ebooks to...
New library services for western Victoria
A new library in Lake Bolac in western Victoria was officially opened in December. The $240,000 facility is the first permanent library for the town, which is located approximately 100km...