
Contributor
As front-line service providers, council public libraries have to respond to Australia’s changing demographic profile. In this blog, Jim shares how some libraries in South Australia are planning to do just that.
The results of the 2016 Census show that Australia is changing – and faster than ever before. Population growth is high, diversity is increasing, plus there is an increasing number of older people (ageing) in many regions.
Council Public Libraries are at the centre of community services – and highly used and appreciated. They are usually rated as the most valued of all Council services provided.
What then, are libraries doing to respond to the rapidly changing demographic landscape, to ensure they remain relevant and highly valued by their changing communities?
Do you work with a council library?
If you would like to join a workshop about how libraries can address demographic change in your area, get in touch with us here and tell us what changes you’ve seen in your area.
Some months ago the Public Library Service (SA) facilitated a workshop for SA Council Public Libraries.
Partnering with .id, the workshop was designed to capture and share ideas about how libraries are changing to meet changing community needs driven by changing demographics and economic conditions. Staff from more than 20 council libraries attended the workshop.
A group discussion was held to determine which aspects of demographic change would most likely drive changes to library operations and service delivery. These common themes were developed:
What characteristics of demographic change would drive changes to library programs/collections/planning?
Each council was then given detailed demographic information about their key demographic data and was asked to consider the key factors driving demographic change in their areas and what they can do to meet the changing demand.
They were asked the following question:
Review your demographic profile. What does this say about your area?
The combined “Brains trust” of over 20 libraries came up with some excellent responses – and show the progressive way libraries will continue to lead their communities and provide a range of highly valued services (if you work with council, and your council is also facing significant change, you may get some great ideas from these results):
Here’s some of what they came up with, in response to their changing demographics – with an eye on the future too.
1. Growing population, leading to increased demand for services and access
2. Employment – resident workers vs local workforce
This issue is a common occurrence for many councils, where many local residents may work in another council area (and/or many local workers may live in another council area). This could mean many of your local residents can’t access your library in working hours – and also that some of your daytime customers may be working in your council area, but live elsewhere.
3. Employment – encouraging “Seniorpreneurs”
Especially in areas of ageing population/increase in retirees, many retirees are still keen to seek part-time work, including working for themselves.
4. Changing trends in Household Type – especially growth in older, lone person households
An increase in older lone person households can lead to the potential for increased social isolation
5. Ageing population
A significant increase in older (65+) population is a trend shown in many council areas.
6. Increase in Recent arrivals and emerging languages spoken at home
Many councils are experiencing a significant growth in diversity as new migrants from various countries make Australia their home.
7. Volunteering
Along with ageing, many councils are experiencing an increase in potential volunteers – but these volunteers may wish to participate by utilising their skills most effectively.
8. Transport (car ownership)
In council areas that have low car ownership per household, other transport options are especially important. In other areas, car ownership can be high, but often alternate transport options may be limited.
9. Low internet access
Some regions still show poor access to the internet – leading to potential issues for education and access to services.
SEIFA is an indicator of social-economic disadvantage. In areas with low SEIFA scores, there may be action taken by libraries to identify and alleviate some aspects of disadvantage through library services.
If you work with a council Library, and would be interested in participating in a similar workshop in your area, get in touch with us here, and tell us what changes you’ve seen in your area.
Otherwise, using tools like profile.id and atlas.id can help identify aspects of change, including detailed analysis of specific geographies and catchment areas for your libraries.
Our specialists have deep expertise in demographics and spatial analysis, urban economics, housing research, social research and population forecasting
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