Australian Outlook on the Future of Public Libraries Through an International IMMS

An international trip in 2022 to explore new technologies for Libraries SA and visit a range of public libraries across Europe, USA and New Zealand was both inspiring and depressing. From amazing libraries that have transformed their spaces and how they deliver services to their communities, to those who have remained doing what they’ve always done demonstrated the extremes of libraries and their appetite for change. Whether it’s challenging traditional collection management and logistics practices, 24/7 access without barriers, risk taking in services to the homeless or incorporating spaces for play. There was plenty to absorb and challenge our assumptions on the potential for modern Australian public libraries.

Author Bio

Helen Kwaka is Manager, Collections & Content at Public Library Services South Australia. Helen is passionate about public libraries and has worked delivering services to the community for over 25+ years. She was Manager of Library Services at Tea Tree Gully for 15 years, the largest single site within the state. In 2021 she successfully joined the State Library of South Australia as Manager, Collections & Content. The team is responsible for supporting all public libraries in SA through the establishment, management and delivery of collection and content services for the South Australian Public Library Network.

Author Bio

Kathy Haese is Team Leader, Library Applications at Public Library Services South Australia. Kathy has worked in a variety of roles in South Australian public libraries for over 35+ years. Since the inception of the OneCard library system, Kathy has played a key role in its configuration and management and now leads the team that provides system administration and application support to all public libraries in the South Australian Public Library Network.