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Context

State Libraries want people to create, discover, use and transform their collections, content, and information resources.  They want communities to be informed and involved in democratic debates They want the value of their services to be used and appreciated for the inclusive and equitable manner in which they are offered.  Never have these desires been more possible than now. Never has there been a more challenging, exciting or innovative time to offer library services.

Libraries enable access to information which can be transformed into knowledge. In an era in which information is readily available through the internet, in which publications may only be sold electronically and in which new content may only be created, accessed and die on the internet without ever being printed (known as ‘born digital’ material), the challenges are significant. Libraries hold information and keep it for all generations. Libraries understand inter-generation equity as much as they understand the importance of equity and access for all stratums of society.

Libraries see their clients less frequently than they have previously. They now provide services to clients 24/7, 365 days per year, to all corners of the earth, not just Western Australia. Clients may not know which institution is providing the service, and they may not care. Some Western Australians living in regional and remote areas may be visiting a library for the first time. This means that libraries have an even greater responsibility to ensure that their collections and services are relevant and appropriate so that when the question is asked “where did I get that information?” and the answer comes “from the library”, no one is surprised.

More people are using libraries and more books are being published than ever before. The State Library of Western Australia will maintain and improve its collections, services and accessibility within this environment. It will be looking constantly at new technology to determine how best to serve its clients in a cost effective manner which suits their needs.  As information literacy increases, so do client expectations. The State Library will work hard to ensure it offers clients current methods for accessing materials, and will also accept its role as a trainer in information literacy skills.

This Strategic Directions document has been informed by the Library Board of Western Australia, State Library staff, the staff of public libraries, advocates, clients and communities of interest. All are clear that the library is a valued institution as the custodian of information, stories and opportunities.  The challenge is to be the 21st century icon that helps people learn, enjoy and play in their own time, in their place or in our place, so that our communities thrive, flourish and support creative and economic opportunities.

Mission Statement

To enrich the lives of Western Australians by:

• Enabling access to resources for information, learning, enterprise and recreation
• Collecting and preserving our social and documentary heritage for current and future generations.

Our Values

• Access for all
• Generosity of spirit towards our clients and colleagues
• Cherishing our stories
• Sharing expertise
• Fostering excellence in all that we do
• Embracing learning and knowledge

Priority Areas

• 1. Capturing the Western Australian story
• 2. Enriching client experiences
• 3. Making content more accessible
• 4. Developing partnerships and community connections
• 5. Enhancing the public library network

Priority area 1:    Capturing the Western Australian story

The State Library of Western Australia will maintain the richest and most comprehensive collection possible of Western Australian material, and will actively target material that is not well represented in our collection.  We will strive to collect material that is historical and contemporary to enrich our state’s creative economy.  We will ensure that we collect material of importance to Indigenous communities in Western Australia.  We will encourage creators of born digital material to ensure that their work is preserved.  We will ensure that our collections are easily accessible for people interested in the Western Australian story.  We will work hard to enhance our profile as custodian and enabler of our precious stories and be the key point of contact for information about Western Australia.  

We will capture and preserve the Western Australian story by:

1.1    Recognising the strengths in the collection and prioritising areas for enhancement;
1.2    Acknowledging the increasingly diverse nature of society in Western Australia and ensuring that our collections represent this; 
1.3    Raising the profile of the library as a trusted custodian of precious community stories; and
1.4    Encouraging people to develop and contribute their stories to enrich our collection.

Priority area 2:    Enriching client experiences

Over 3 million people visit the State Library each year, either remotely through visitor sessions on the website or physically through the building.  Our clients expect to find what they want quickly through self discovery within our shelves and our catalogues.  They also expect our physical resources to be readily available without completing forms or waiting a long time for an item.  As clients become more sophisticated and as technology offers increasing efficiencies, it is critical that both our physical and virtual presence meet the expectations of clients, who are our greatest advocates.  We will be agile, flexible and alert to new opportunities to improve our service delivery.    

We will enrich client experiences by:

2.1    Understanding and responding to the needs of library users and the wider community;
2.2    Constantly improving our presence in the digital environment; 
2.3    Ensuring regular training in collection knowledge, information literacy and library matters so that library users receive a superior service and the library maintains its specialist knowledge and corporate memory; and
2.4    Maintaining a welcoming, fit for purpose building, technology, collection and services.

Priority area 3:    Making collections more accessible

Our collections are an important asset for all people interested in Western Australia.  Clients expect our collections to be available now and to be available electronically.  Access to collections will be enhanced with a strong digitisation program which focuses on materials that are only available from this library.   Regional communities will be served both by our electronic services and by ensuring that their stories are represented in our collections. We will also work with clients to capture their content and include it as part of our collections.  Technology is changing rapidly and we will help our clients by providing training in information literacy and in emerging technologies.  Our motto will be ‘technology to support our clients’.

We will make our collections more accessible by:

3.1    Developing a digitisation strategy with a rolling three-year horizon;
3.2    Making our catalogue and other finding tools easier to use;
3.3    Capturing and preserving ‘born digital’ material; and
3.4     Ensuring clients are aware of our collections and services.

Priority area 4:    Developing partnerships and community connections

Collaborating with the private sector, not-for-profit groups, communities, government agencies and other libraries offers opportunities for improving the lives of Western Australians through literacy programs, preserving, interpreting and showcasing the history, development and cultural richness of the state.The State Library will establish respectful relationships with others to ensure that there is support for the work of the Library in valuing and making accessible information and knowledge.

We will develop partnerships and community connections by:

4.1    Raising our profile and awareness amongst the private sector, community groups, government agencies and individuals as a cultural partner for mutual benefit
4.2    Working with other libraries to promote the role of libraries in democratic societies
4.3    Working actively with partners on programs that promote literacy and information literacy.

Priority area 5:    Enhancing the public library network

Public libraries play a key role in facilitating learning and recreational opportunities in society.  The Western Australian public library network has developed a program of structural reform for its operations and services which can now be implemented.; In collaborating with the public library network, the State Library will be able to assist public libraries to serve their residents and enhance social capital in local communities. The State Library will take every opportunity to take a lead role and to speak publicly about the value of libraries to communities.

We will enhance the public library network by:
5.1   Working with representative bodies and the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) to implement the Structural Reform Project as a matter of high priority.
5.2   Advocating for libraries on their contribution to education, lifelong learning, information literacy and general well-being.