Library Strategy
2020–2025
Imagine, Explore, Discover, Connect
Indigenous Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the First People’s and traditional owners,
the Wurundjeri people, of the land we now call Brimbank,
and celebrate the history, knowledge and creativity of the
world’s oldest continuous culture.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people. We recognise the
strength, resilience and pride of the Aboriginal community.
Diversity and Inclusion
Statement
Public Libraries Victoria believe that our public libraries
should be open and accessible to all, reflecting the
diversity of the communities they serve. Accordingly,
we have a responsibility to contribute to a culture that
recognizes diversity and fosters social inclusion.
We support our libraries to realise this culture of diversity
and inclusion regardless of ethnicity, religious beliefs,
gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical
or mental capabilities, income or education.
We understand that an acceptance of differences can place
individual and collective values in conflict, however our
libraries are committed to tolerance and understanding and
act to ensure that people can enjoy our services free from
any attempt by others to impose their values, or beliefs.
In support of these principles we commit to ensuring that:
• We deliver services, programs, collections and resources
that reflect the diversity of our communities, and provide a
platform for people to share their views and experiences.
• Our customers have equitable access to these services,
programs, collections and resources.
• Our policies and practices are inclusive of all our
customers and oppose actions which incite hatred or
which are bigoted and disrespectful.
• We conduct outreach and advocate for those who are
marginalised within our communities.
• We use inclusive language when interacting with our
customers, verbally and in writing.
• Our library endeavours to provide a physical and virtual
safe space for everyone
• Our physical and digital infrastructure is accessible.
• We advocate for policies that increase equitable
access to information for all in support of democracy and
intellectual freedom.
• Our library staff are adequately trained, and willing to
handle diversity related issues.
Endorsed by Public Libraries Victoria April 2020.
“Schooling and learning is not a race,
but if it were, for those students
who have no or low literacy skills
when they start school, it would be
like starting 50 metres behind those
with literacy skills and trying to make
up that gap. In literacy learning, we
know that the gap doesn’t close.
Students who are behind at the start
will remain behind, unless we do
something.”
Sue Thomson, Deputy CEO (Research),
Australian Council of Education Research (ACER)
Role and purpose of
Public Libraries
The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)
outlined the public library’s role and purpose in their
National Vision and Framework 2010-2015. It is to:
• Offer universal free access to information, knowledge
and ideas;
• Support formal and informal learning, especially literacy,
through all stages of life;
• Provide a place for people to meet, share and be inspired;
• Ensure programs, events and collections are recreational
and fun;
• House, protect and promote community heritage; and
• Provide access to technology to address the digital divide.
“Libraries are good because you can
read books and make friends.”
Anthony - Deer Park Library
Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
3
Introduction
Planning for today and future Library service goes
beyond what could be deemed as traditional public
library activities. It requires, specific knowledge of the
environment and an understanding of the demographic
composition of the community, the information and social
needs of the different segments of the community and
the profile of current library users.
The Strategy aims to enable council to continue to provide
library resources, services and programs that meet the
needs of communities under all situations including the
unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and,
in doing so, support the role of the library in strengthening
and building communities and creating opportunities for
community participation.
Brimbank City Council operates five libraries; in Sunshine,
Sydenham, St Albans, Keilor Village and Deer Park and
an Online Library. A Home Library service delivers library
resources to residents who cannot visit the library due to
illness, frailty or disability.
The library welcomes everyone and has an important
role as a public space and meeting place, providing an
opportunity for positive social experience and building
social connections.
Since the first library in Sunshine was established in 1908,
libraries have constantly been reinforcing and building
a solid foundation with which to grow and meet the
evolving needs of our community.
Our Libraries are designed to foster social, learning and
cultural activities which support people to live, learn
and work. We do this by providing a range of resources,
programs, services and spaces that meet the community
needs and interests.
Background
Brimbank City Council developed its first Library Strategy
2015 – 2020 to provide a framework for collections,
programs, community engagement and online services to
meet the needs and interests of the community.
From promoting literacy, to offering free access to
resources Brimbank libraries are safe welcoming spaces,
at the heart of the community. They advance digital
inclusion through access to ICT, internet connection and
programs which build digital literacy skills.
Through the provision of library collections, services and
programs the library complements mainstream education
and provides a space for children and adults to learn and
develop. Libraries are a resource open to all for developing
literacy and digital skills. The library provides cultural and
educational programmes that empower . Our libraries,
facilitate community cohesion, reduce isolation and
contribute to pride of place.
Listening to the Community
The role of public libraries continues to change. As
community needs shift with social trends and rapid
technological advancements, Brimbank’s libraries need to
be flexible and responsive to meet the changing needs of
the community.
The Library Strategy 2020-2025 (the Strategy) has
been developed in consultation with community,
organisations and Brimbank City Council departments.
Consultation includes regular feedback, exit surveys,
the Libraries Change Lives Campaign, the St Albans and
Deer Park Feasibility study, staff workshops and one
on one conversations with community members and
organisations.
The Strategy is underpinned by the information we have
gathered, and the review of the most recent research and
data available about the Brimbank community.
"Libraries have shaped ‘who I am’. They have
been a part of my life since I was a toddler
with my mother reading Hairy McClary books
borrowed from the library. Offered me a place
to study, resources like textbooks for high
school and now Uni. Allowed me to interact
with like-minded people via Book Clubs.
Served as a gateway to learning about my
local community. Provided me with respite
and an outlet for stress by offering a
wide range of books, comics, music and
movies. Granted access to newspapers
like The Australian, Financial Review that I
cannot ordinarily access due to pay wall. I am
eternally grateful to my local library that has
offered me so much”.
Frances
The next stage
The Strategy, builds on the success of the previous Library
Strategy 2015-2020, industry trends and identified and
evolving needs and interests of the community.
The Strategy will guide future service directions to meet the
needs of our continuously adapting and evolving municipality.
The Strategy is presented as two parts:
• A Strategy that outlines the longer term vision and strategic
directions for library services across the City of Brimbank.
• An Action Plan with a set of specific, targeted and
measurable initiatives that will be implemented each year.
Implementation of the Strategy will be reported through
an Annual Report Card.
The Action Plan is reviewed yearly. This approach enables
Council to retain flexibility and responsiveness to the
changing environment and identify opportunities, funding
and priorities each year to achieve the intended outcomes
of the Strategy.
4 Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
How the Strategy aligns with Council Plans and Policies
The 17 UN Sustainable
Development Goals are a
universal call to action to end
poverty, protect the planet
and ensure that all people
enjoy peace and prosperity.
Alignment with industry sector statements and policies
The Library Strategy 2020-2025 draws on a wide range of broader policy documents including:
ALIA Free Access to Information Statement 2018
ALIA Information Literacy for All Statement 2006
ALIA Online Content Regulation Statement 2002
UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 1994
ALIA has also outlined how public libraries support and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2018.
Literacy, in all its forms, (reading, numeracy, digital, financial, citizenship) will play a direct or indirect role in achieving
the Sustainable Development Goals and is reflected within the public libraries role and purpose.
Strategic Framework for Library
Collections 2020–2025
Underpins the Library Strategy.
The Framework clarifies Council's
objectives regarding library
collections and digital content and
defines the purpose, vision, guiding
principles and strategies that will
shape the collection content to the
year 2025.
Disability Action Plan 2017–2020
Key objectives: Promote inclusion
and participation in the community
of persons with a disability. Achieve
tangible changes in attitudes and
practices that discriminate against
persons with a disability.
Neighbourhood Houses and
Community Centres Strategy and
Plan 2019–2024
Aligns with the ethos of Libraries,
Neighbourhood Houses and
Community Centres that are for
everyone, from every background,
at every stage of life and every stage
of learning. Connection, learning and
belonging. System change at a local
level with community at the centre of
everything they do.
2040 Community Vision and
Collective Impact Plan
2018–2021 employment,
innovation & investment
Services and facilities respond to
community need; all can access
education, training and lifelong
learning.
Economic Development Strategy
2016–2020
Foster a culture of lifelong learning
to promote continual knowledge
and skills development and access
to employment.
Reconciliation Action Plan
2019–2021
Developed with ATSI peoples;
Council to promote inclusion,
respect and pathways to all Council
programs and activities.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Strategy 2018
Encourage and provide guidance for
the ongoing education, promotion,
understanding and appreciation
of Aboriginal cultural heritage,
learnings/lore and traditions.
Fairness, Equity and Respect,
Gender Equality 2018–2022
We are committed to building a
community based on equality
irrespective of the person’s gender.
Settlement Action Plan
2019–2023
Priority areas: Education & Training,
Employment, Family/ Social
Connections, Civic Participation,
Language Services, Service
Provision.
Age Friendly City Plan 2018–2022
Principle of access: Provide a
community environment which
supports inclusive & accessible
opportunities to increase the sense
of belonging for ageing people.
Library Policy 2018
Ensures that Brimbank Libraries
continue to provide free and open
access to library services facilitating
lifelong learning within the
Brimbank community.
Social Justice Charter 2018
Principles of access, equity,
participation and human rights.
Children’s Plan 2015–2019
Align with Libraries in providing
learning-rich environments for
babies, preschool and school
age children at home and in the
community.
Community Services and
Infrastructure Plan 2018–2038
Brimbank City Council’s evidence-based
approach to Community Services and
planning, developing and maintaining
community infrastructure.
Describes Council’s role to guide
decision-making on future library
infrastructure projects, funding
requirements, advocacy efforts and
partnership opportunities.
Lifelong Learning Strategy
2018–2023
Libraries are an informal learning
setting and important for those
facing barriers to accessing
structured or formal learning:
Many areas of overlap with libraries
in promoting learning, community
focus, life stage focus, promoting
access and equity, advocacy.
Youth Jobs Strategy 2018–2023
Goal to increase economic inclusion
and participation among young
people and reduce disadvantage.
Council Plan 2017–2021
Goals: An inclusive community,
Liveable community, Prosperous
community and an Innovative
and responsive ‘Community First
Council”.
Local Historical Societies Support
Policy 2017
Council is committed to celebrating
Brimbank’s history, creativity and
diversity.
The following Council policies, plans and strategies align with both the strategic objectives of the Council Plan and in meeting the
goals of the Library Strategy 2020-2025:
The Library Strategy contributes to the following Goals
6 Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025 7
Literacy and Reader
Development in the
21
st
Century
15.4% Victorian Prep school students
whose language and cognitive skills make
them ‘vulnerable’ or ‘at risk’
19% Australian Year 4 school students
with below-average literacy skills
39% Victorian Year 9 school students
below national proficient reading literacy
standards
15.4% Victorians aged 15-74 years with
very limited literacy skills
46% Victorian adults without sufficient
literacy skills for daily life and work
Reading and Literacy for all: A strategic framework for
Victorian public libraries 2015-18
Date of publication January 2020
Brimbank’s Estimated
Resident Population
“
The City of Brimbank’s Estimated Resident
Population for 2018 was
208,714
with a population
density of
16.92
persons per hectare
.
”
POPULATION
208,714
ABS ERP
2018
LAND AREA
12,338
ha (123Km
2
)
POPULATION
DENSITY
16.92
persons
per hectare
Population Forecasts
Year
2020 2030 2040
City of Brimbank
210,321 223,017 229,830
Deer Park District
44,049 44,159 44,146
Keilor District
10,897 11,483 11,645
St Albans District
53,784 56,308 58,266
Sunshine District
53,112 60,916 64,179
Sydenham District
48,479 50,152 51,594
Language
Language Spoken
% of Total Population
Speaks English only
Speaks another
language, and English
well or very well
Speaks another
language, and English
not well or not at all
Not stated
35.7%
44.8%
13.4%
6.1%
ENGLISH ONLY
69,303
35.7%
NON-ENGLISH
113,254
58.3%
Number
% of total
population
% change
2011 - 2016
Vietnamese
31,453
16.2
4
21.0
Punjabi
5,634
2.9
4
36.5
Filipino/
Tagalog
5,316
2.7
4
6.9
Greek
5,288
2.7
5
8.3
Maltese
5,056
2.6
5
15.4
Italian
4,906
2.5
5
15.1
Macedonian
4,633
2.4
5
11.8
Arabic
4,286
2.2
4
1.6
Cantonese
4,170
2.1
5
3.6
Croatian
3,441
1.8
5
13.1
Top Ten Languages Spoken
(excluding English)
Proficiency in English
% of Total Population
Country of Birth
Total number of Residents
in Brimbank born Overseas
% of Total Population
an increase of 8,636
10.3% residents between
2011 and 2016.
2011
84,193
46.1%
2016
92,829
47.8%
Number %
Vietnam
21,705
11.2
India
9,284
4.8
Philippines
5,746
3.0
Malta
4,524
2.3
New Zealand
3,273
1.7
Italy
3,191
1.6
Former
Yugoslav
Republic of
Macedonia
3,075
1.6
China
2,395
1.2
Croatia
2,285
1.2
Greece
2,222
1.1
Top Ten Overseas
Countries of Birth 2016
% of Total Population
=
The City of Brimbank is located in the western
and north-western suburbs of Melbourne,
between 11 and 23 kilometres west and north
west of the Melbourne CBD.
The snapshot of Brimbank’s community
provides demographic analysis for the City and
its suburbs, based on results from the 2016
Census of Population and Housing.
Unemployment Statistics – December 2019
Brimbank Residents
Unemployment Rate
Our Community
8 Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025 9
Our libraries deliver spaces, experiences and opportunities
that enhance the social, cultural, recreational and lifelong
learning needs of our wider community.
Brimbank Libraries commenced operations in 1993 with
the amalgamation of the former Cities of Sunshine and
Keilor.
The Library Service has:
Five library branches; Deer Park, Keilor, St Albans,
Sunshine and Sydenham which are open a total of 323
hours per week.
Brimbank Libraries support Brimbank's local historical
societies by providing a combination of grants, staff
assistance and facilities.
We deliver a Home Library Service for people who cannot
access the library.
Specialist collections in 19 languages, and an Online library
at brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au which provides around the
24/7 access to online collections and resources.
Vision
Mission
Working together, with community to enrich lives.
• To imagine the possibilities
• To explore the future
• To discover their potential
• And connect to the world
Library Strategy 2015 - 2020
Some of our achievements during the past five years
included:
• Improved access to digital technology and digital literacy
programs, our community has responded enthusiastically.
• Library collections continue to adapt to community
interest and needs.
•Increased digital collections providing increased
opportunity for the community to read.
• A cohesive professional library team that delivers
customer-centric service.
• Increased volunteer opportunities with the Home
Library Service that builds cohesion in our community.
• Partnerships which have led to a 20 percent growth in
programs and a 35 percent increase in attendance.
• The opening of two new libraries.
• The Library Service social media has become
increasingly effective, resulting in increased awareness
and use.
• A library service delivery model that is built on a solid
understanding of our community.
• Library staff who can quickly adapt and deliver services
to meet unforeseen circumstances such as the libraries
closure due to COVID-19.
• A new and improved Library Management System which
offers ease of use for the community.
• New platforms and technology providing seamless
service for the community.
Sydenham
Library
Deer Park
Library
St Albans
Library
Keilor Village
Library
Sunshine
Library
Our Library
10 Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025 11
Story time brings a little
bit of magic to reading.
My three children all
make use of our great
libraries. There is
always something to
look at as they have
grown. – Jennifer
A St Albans family draw a wonderful mural for
Brimbank Libraries staff delivering books during the
COVID 19 pandemic lockdown of 2020. “They were
so excited when I arrived, I could hear them squealing
in delight! They were so loud that a neighbour and her
young daughter heard them (they may be one of our
next deliveries!) The family were very specific about
where they wanted the delivery placed. Definitely
the highlight of my deliveries this afternoon.” – Liz
By using the computers I could get a part
time job and also news from my home
country. Of course the local newspapers
are there, but I am curious to know
about some things going on in my home
country. Even some of the library books
are useful to me including definitively, the
library has an important role play to play
in my daily life. – Ramesh
For me, in libraries I can
borrow some books to read
and learn English. Also provide
us a place to communicate
with different people
who come from different
countries, broaden horizons
of my knowledge about this
world. – Rock
My Story - Brimbank Libraries
The Library is important for me because
before I joined the English Class, I couldn’t
speak at all. Now, I can speak English
although not well.
I always study and I’m very happy to
communicate with my classmates and my
teacher is patient to give me guidance.
Thank you to the Australian Government
and the Brimbank Library. – Eka
Libraries are
educational, whilst
also bring a sense of
community.
They are fun. I like
them – Reena
We don’t have a computer or
printer at home. But luckily
we have the library. We can
do everything we need to
do in library. My kids enjoy
storytime. There are plenty
of book.
I feel library is necessary
place and effective. – Le
As a young person working in
the Library has helped me to
improve not only my work, life,
confidence and interpersonal
skills. It has allowed me to be
a part of things I would have
never even thought possible
before coming to work in
Libraries.– Yasmyn
I can get books and
school text books
for my school aged
children.
I enjoy reading as well.
Learning for children
is vital and important.
– Bella
I come from Sri Lanka. When I came here
my English knowledge was very bad.
I couldn’t read, write or speak English
very well. In the last six months I have
improved my knowledge. Because I
have a library card and borrow books.
I can now read small story books. The
library is very useful for me living in
Australia. – Kema
Thank you so very much for my book
delivery. Living/isolating on my own
has made me really depressed and
lonely. To see your paper bag on my
porch filled me with warmth, I hadn't
been forgotten. The books chosen
for me are exactly what I would have
looked for but probable wouldn't find.
A little story about me and reading:
My mum grew up on a potato farm in Gordon Victoria. Mum went to
primary school but not high school which was in Ballarat, just a horse
and dray no car. Mum never read to me nor can I remember having any
books around. In primary school I was always put in the corner with
a book, dumbo the elephant to read over and over again. I could not
figure out the difference between d and b, I would get into so much
trouble. Since my hubby passed away 6 years ago, who was an avid
reader. A friend gave me a book, it took me ages to read and lived in
the dictionary, which I still do at 69 years of age. I joined the library and
found the large print easier to read. Now I crawl into bed with a book,
loving it. Thanking you so much Love and very best wishes. – Marilyn
Brimbank residents, especially young people, can benefit from learning about and understanding
their local area and its history, increasing their sense of belonging. Brimbank’s libraries and local
history groups both play a vital part in providing resources for this. They have complementary roles
and cooperation between them is crucial. The area’s libraries are very accessible to the public. They
have trained staff, meeting and study spaces, collections of books and audio-visual material, and
equipment such as photocopiers and computers. Brimbank’s local history groups have members with
decades of knowledge of local history and places and valuable memories. They have collections of
documents, photographs and artefacts relating to the area and have produced a large number of
local history publications, from brochures, booklets and DVDs to substantial volumes. They meet with
the public on Open Days and at meetings, but also spend time on heritage issues and have helped
to save important heritage buildings and sites in the municipality. Their countless hours of unpaid
work are worth thousands of dollars. Yet they have small memberships and some groups mainly have
members in their ‘70s and ‘80s. Over the years, Brimbank Libraries have stocked multiple copies of
local history publications, arranged and funded talks on local history themes, provided space for local history displays and meetings, and
publicised forthcoming activities of local history groups. The libraries have sometimes forwarded research inquiries on to these groups.
At an earlier stage, Sunshine Library used to nominate a staff member to the committee of one local history group annually and another
local history society received strong support from a City of Keilor librarian. At present, there are big gaps in relation to the area’s history.
Both libraries and history groups suffer from the fact that Brimbank has no full-time heritage or local history officer and no municipally
run and staffed museum or heritage centre, such as at Geelong. Possible joint projects for the future could include a think-tank about a
Brimbank heritage centre and new ways of sharing local history by working together on-line. – Sunshine & District Historical Society
As a curious child, the library was my second home.
I stepped through its doors to the wondrous books that lined the
shelves; the world of my imagination. I went on adventures, found
answers and discovered the world around me. Brimbank Library
has been my home for many years now, in a way it’s like a sanctuary,
a place of belonging, somewhere that you feel a sense of peace and
the freedom to connect to the things you love. I feel welcomed and
inspired and excited by what I might find, knowing that anything is
possible - Olympia Panagiotopoulos, local author
I would be lost without my book I come
to the library at least every fortnight
I’m lucky to be close to the library as it
gets me out of the house & I find all the
staff very supporting & friendly & I can
always get latest book which I enjoy, as
it help me relax. I would miss the library
very much. – Dawn
It creates a community where there
may not otherwise be one, Libraries
create a sense of belonging and also
provide me with a quiet study space.
My two children love story time, movies
and lego club.
– Melissa
Melbourne Writers festival 2016 – “My highlight was the public conversation on 'The Fighter'
and the art of story I had with Michael McGirr in Sunshine library, in the western suburbs.
It drew a different kind of audience. A young Bangladeshi man came with my novel 'Café
Scheherazade' in hand, and said he had read it several times and that it resonated with his
experience. He asked me permission to translate it into the Bengali language so he can share
it with friends. An Ethiopian community elder attended the talk and asked probing questions
about the language of silence, and the limits of words in expressing refugee trauma. He
understood it deeply from lived experience. There are great things happening in Sunshine—
the new library is a meeting place. It is conducive to conversations across cultures. As we
talked, the audience had a clear view through large windows of the shopping plaza and
surrounding streets.
There was clarity and light. Yet again, I was reminded of what is best about literature and the
arts—story is the art of the specific. We can only tell or write one story at a time, but in being
faithful to the details of that story, we mirror many lives. At best, we cross cultural boundaries, and come to appreciate both
the differences, and what we share in common. Also reminded me that there are a lot of unsung heroes in many suburbs, from
many walks of life— librarians, community activists, teachers, volunteers, who are creating harmonious communities based on
an understanding of the riches that come from diversity and difference—and the unity that comes from creating spaces where
we can come together and discover the unexpected symmetries that transcend our differences.”
- Arnold Zable, Melbourne Author
It’s a place where I can bring my son to
interact with other people who love
learning and books & language. Library
visits are the must looked forward day
of the week. Having an escape and
choosing new books is important to me
as a mum. – R
12 Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025 13
“It is a great place to study and be able to
meet friends. We help each other, while
being surrounded with numerous and
valuable resources.”
Daniil, Sunshine Library
Strategic Priorities
Improved communication to our residents regarding
the services the Library provides and proactive service
delivery is an essential part of the Strategy. The
following strategic priorities have been identified to
respond to the challenges, vision and principles outlined
in this document.
Places and Belonging
We will put our customers first in the design and delivery
of our services and facilities.
This priority addresses the physical infrastructure
needs of Libraries and positions customers as the
central consideration in decision making and service
development.
Learning Community
We will facilitate and champion activities and
partnerships that support community members to
participate fully in the labour market, education and
training and social and civic life.
This priority identifies opportunities to increase
engagement with the community through a range of
programming, outreach and capacity building activities.
Future Focussed
Technology is changing the way we learn, connect and
collaborate.
This priority ensures we have access to the best
platforms to deliver our service and that our libraries are
able to facilitate access to technology.
Lifelong Readers
We will provide resources and programs that promote
and support literacy and learning to people of all ages and
abilities within the community.
This priority sets out how we will provide resources
which meet the needs and interests of our community,
communicate and raise the profile of the Library’s
collection and foster the love of reading. Being able to
read means that you can learn to do just about anything.
We are Accountable
We will cultivate a culture of collaboration and learning.
Establishing processes and structures to develop staff
individual and collective ability to meet the interests and
needs of our community.
We are accountable to the community and providing the
best possible service and governance of the library.
This priority identifies how we will provide ongoing
professional development for our staff to ensure their
skills, knowledge and capability meet the current and
future needs of the library service.
Guiding Principles
The five strategic priorities identified are supported by a
central principle of ‘ how we work’.
Integrated customer-first service model
Recognising and respecting the diversity of our
community, our focus is on putting customers at the
centre of everything we do.
Engage and consult
We listen to our customers to understand their needs
and interests.
Partnerships and collaboration
Combine strengths to deliver a range of services more
effectively and / or efficiently.
Workforce development
We build our skills and embrace change. We learn from
others and we share what we learn.
Access and equity
Increase community connection through recognising
and addressing barriers to participation.
14 Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2015–2020 15
As patterns of library usage have changed, so to have
libraries. Our libraries are attractive, dynamic and flexible.
We will respond to diverse needs with comfortable spaces
for quiet reading and reflection, as well as providing places
for active learning, collaboration and events. Brimbank
Libraries will continue to meet the challenge of providing
a welcoming and inclusive library service, where people
can come together, attend events and interact, helping to
develop and maintain social cohesion.
Our approach to dealing with COVID-19 will transform
the way we deliver service in the future. Our usual way
of being has changed, irreversibly and forever. Our
experience of dealing with COVID-19, is teaching us much.
For all the challenges COVID-19 has allowed us to embrace
a new way of thinking and a new way of working to drive
change and transformation.
Enforced social isolation of the COVID-19 Pandemic
has dramatically accelerated the need for community
to participate in the digital world. It has also made the
challenges of lessening the digital divide more important
than ever. Much of the face-to-face activity once thought
necessary for participating in society – learning, working,
shopping, paying bills, social activity, entertainment, doing
business– are now firmly rooted in the digital world.
Access
A substantial number of Brimbank residents who are not
library members are socially isolated or unemployed. Im
proving library access for our most vulnerable community
members is an ongoing priority. To support this we will
ensure library services remain free, well-resourced and
accessible to all community members.
Collaboration
Partnerships with the community are expanding as mutually
beneficial relationships are made with volunteers, the
education sector, community organisations, and aligned
organisations. Through our partnerships we will engage
with the community and other stakeholders in new ways to
enhance the range and depth of our services and programs.
Collections
Our libraries celebrate the rich cultural life of Brimbank
through collections in English and nineteen community
languages. There is significant growth in demand for
online library services.
We will meet the challenge of finding the ideal balance
and mix of print and online items. Library collections will
be targeted and responsive to demand, and increasingly
be presented in attractive face-out displays to facilitate
browsing.
Connecting to the Past
The library will assist people to discover Brimbank’s rich past,
have a strong sense of belonging and will value the area as
a unique place to live and work. We will collaborate with
local heritage groups, provide resources and programs, and
explore technology which can provide highly interactive
access for our community.
Digital Content
Libraries play a key role in providing access to digital devices
and the Internet, and in fostering digital literacy at basic
and more advanced levels. We will investigate activities for
accessing emerging technologies, such as makerspaces and
gaming. This will require creative strategies for managing
library space and balancing the needs of diverse users.
Digital Literacy
As more information and services go online, digital
literacy is increasingly necessary for communication,
social connection and access to consumer services.
Libraries provide a unique environment for the public to
use computers and seek assistance doing so. As a range
of public functions shift online (banking, welfare services,
education, social networks, cultural resources), digital
access and digital literacy become the precondition of
effective civic participation and we will provide staff
support for customers to navigate these services and
strengthen their digital skills.
English Proficiency
English proficiency is crucial for employment and citizenship.
We will provide support to the significant number of Brimbank
residents who have little or no English language skills through
our community engagement, programming and collections.
Flexible Service
COVID-19 Pandemic highlighted the need for the Library to
adapt its service response through the development and
delivery of flexible and innovative approaches to meet the
needs of the community.
An emergency service responses model is required to
ensure continued access to the library by priority groups
and those that are most vulnerable in the community.
The development of projects and trials during the COVID-19
period will be tested and evaluated to inform how these
innovative activities and approaches may become ongoing
services. The experience will inform a planned Emergency
Service Delivery response for the future.
The learnings from the COVID-19 Pandemic response
will support ongoing innovation to deliver a library
service which benefits the community and improves
engagement and access to learning opportunities.
Library Workforce
As the library expand its range of services, we have
to balance the need to continue to provide traditional
services such as book borrowing and information
services, with the desire to provide digital platforms
and physical spaces that support new forms of access,
connectivity and community creation.
The changing demands upon library services also
necessitate the development of a new skills base
for staff. To meet changing needs of community
we will support the library workforce to be flexible,
collaborative, have exceptional digital literacy skills
and embrace change.
Literacy
Libraries are committed to helping children and adults
develop the skills they need to survive and thrive in a
global information society: the ability to read and use
computers is critical.
Promoting Reading
Reading is fundamental to learning and integral to
economic, civic and social participation. Libraries will
promote a culture of reading and support literacy
development in the Brimbank community.
Space
We will explore and introduce initiatives to meet the
challenge of providing customer focussed customer
service, a range of programming, access to collections
and independent study in our libraries.
Looking Ahead - Opportunities
16 Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2015–2020 17
Strategic Directions
The Strategic Directions will address the challenges and
opportunities facing libraries and inform Libraries annual
business plans over the next five years. The annual
business plans will detail activities and initiatives to address
the priority areas. Library staff will work collaboratively with
community, industry and Council partners to achieve the
outcomes in the Strategy.
Places and Belonging
We will put our customers first in the design
and delivery of our services and facilities.
Priority areas
Spaces for community to meet, read, create and study.
Our libraries are welcoming and accessible to all members of
the community.
People feel connected within their community.
Flexible service model to meet the changing needs of
residents and users.
Outcomes
Staff support is available to customers using library
collections, services and facilities.
Shared library space is enjoyed by all community members
for study, recreation or program attendance.
Library customers have improved access to Council
community services .
Enhanced community engagement.
Community have access to services and activities that
strengthen community life, connectedness and wellbeing.
Volunteers feel supported, report they have developed
new skills and feeling that they are more connected to
the community.
Learning Community
Facilitate and champion activities and
partnerships that support community
members to participate fully in the work
force, education and training, and social
and civic life.
Priority areas
Maintain and establish collaborative partnerships to
deliver programs and services that strengthen community
capacity outcomes.
Develop and deliver programs and services that serve the
community and value all people and cultures.
Programs support the learning needs of the community
and have a strong focus on core English literacy and digital
literacy skills.
Outcomes
Strong and sustainable collaboration with internal and
external partners support community learning needs.
Resources, services and infrastructure needed to promote
and strengthen all forms of community learning are
accessible and available to the community and are based on
social inclusion and equity.
Increased opportunity for community to build
communication, literacy, numeracy, and other generic
transferable skills.
Inclusive quality and relevant services and programs with
clear community outcomes.
Older adults maintain an interest and participation in
lifelong learning.
Volunteers feeling a sense of satisfaction and involvement
in success of the program.
Compliance with National Standards for Volunteer
Involvement and alignment with ALIA Guidelines.
18 Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025 19
Lifelong Readers
We will provide resources and programs that
promote, engage and support literacy and
learning to people of all ages and abilities within
the community. Being able to read means that
you can learn to do just about anything.
Priority areas
People of all ages are engaged with reading through
collections, activities and programs.
Enriching collections, experiences and learning
opportunities to meet community aspirations.
Support and work closely with our network of cultural
heritage partners to safeguard cultural heritage.
Collections reflect the diversity of Brimbank’s community.
Collections meet the learning, innovation and creativity
needs of Brimbank’s community.
Engage with community to ensure the collection meets
needs, interests and is well utilised.
Outcomes
Increased school readiness.
Parents and carers read to children at home.
The Library contributes to literacy in the community
through all life stages by encouraging, facilitating and
celebrating reading for pleasure.
Increased access and usage of library collections.
Collections meet the community’s needs and interests.
The delivery of its priority is supported through the
Strategic Framework of Library Collections 2020-2025.
Future Focussed
Technology is changing the way we learn,
connect and collaborate.
Priority areas
Up-to-date technology that enables the community
to navigate the technological requirements of life.
Continue to build a vibrant online presence.
An innovative and customer-focussed online library
supported by professional staff.
Manage our assets and services to a high standard.
Outcomes
Information and communication technology that is
customer focussed, innovative and accessible.
Diverse and high quality online learning
opportunities.
Staff support is available to customers using library
collections, services and facilities.
Library technology is easy to use, facilitates
self-service and meets community needs and
expectations.
Increased customer awareness, engagement and
satisfaction with library services and programs.
New technology benefits customers and provides
efficiencies for Council.
“The library is a place that opens
other worlds for me to explore.
I would have never been able to read
so freely and abundantly if not for
the library.”
Customer, Sydenham Library
20 Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025 21
We are Accountable
We will cultivate a culture of collaboration
and learning, establishing processes and
structures to develop staff individual and
collective ability to meet the interests and
needs of our community.
Priority areas
Develop a library workforce culture that facilitates
and maintains learning and growth.
Develop a library structure that supports the delivery
of our goals and the needs of our community.
Increase focus on customer and user experiences
through the development of staff skills, behaviours
and practices to reflect and support our goals, and
Council’s values.
Maintain industry best practice in public library
provision.
Outcomes
Clear policy and governance framework for
decisions to ensure the library customer experience
is consistent.
The library workforce is community focussed,
skilled and reflective of the Brimbank community.
Library services continue to evolve through
community consultation, innovation and ongoing
review.
The provision of library collections, services and
systems is seamless, timely and meets customer
needs.
Community members are informed and provide
feedback to staff through multiple channels.
The library service actively participates in industry
collaborative projects that provide benefits to
customers and efficiencies to Council.
A staffing structure that supports flexible and
adaptable service delivery.
A workplace culture of learning and growth.
"I have been visiting this library for
38 years since arriving in Australia.
I used to bring my children and
always borrow books. Thank you”
Library customer, 2020
22 Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
Library Strategy 2020-2025 Action Plan Years 1-5
24 Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025
Brimbank City Council — Library Strategy 2020–2025 25
Priority
Action
Year 1
2020-21
Year 2
2021-22
Year 3
2022-23
Year 4
2023-24
Year 5
2024-25
Places and Belonging
Spaces for community
to meet, read, create
and study.
Library interiors that are flexible, fit for purpose
and adapt to changing customer needs and usage
patterns.
Implement retail style displays to feature popular
materials and entice membership and borrowing of
materials.
Our libraries are
welcoming and
accessible to all
members of the
community.
Develop and implement an engagement strategy for
communities to assist in the development of collections,
service and programs to meet their needs programs and
services to suit their learning needs.
Actively encourage vulnerable people to utilise
Libraries’ spaces and services, and support staff to
engage with at risk library users, non-users, and
people with additional access requirements.
People feel
connected within
their community.
Provide opportunities for social and community
connection.
Seek feedback regularly from volunteers to ensure
their contribution is recognised and that the program
is meeting their expectations.
Flexible service
model to meet the
changing needs of
residents and users
Develop a more systematic approach to evaluating
services, programs and practices that extend beyond a
customer feedback model to consider the value of the
library service to other aspects of users’ lives.
Review and implement our service model to ensure high
quality customer focussed service, including support
measures during and after a global crisis such as a
pandemic event.
Learning Community
Maintain and
establish collaborative
partnerships to
deliver programs
and services
that strengthen
community capacity
outcomes.
Deliver library services in collaboration with internal and
external partners to improve literacy, learning, business
and employment outcomes for the community.
Collaborate with local authors and historians to facilitate
programs that tell and create stories of Brimbank.
Explore and apply for external funding, grant and
resourcing opportunities.
Develop and deliver
programs and services
serve the community
and value all people
and cultures.
Develop and implement a Program Delivery
Framework that that addresses learning and
recreational needs and interests of the community.
Deliver inclusive programs and services that encourage
and enhance library usage for the interests and specific
needs of people within the community.
Programs support the
learning needs of the
community and have
a strong focus on core
English literacy and
digital literacy skills
Investigate and implement a family literacy program.
Investigate and implement a range of online learning
and program opportunities.
Priority
Action
Year 1
2020-21
Year 2
2021-22
Year 3
2022-23
Year 4
2023-24
Year 5
2024-25
Future Focussed
Up-to-date
technology that
enables the
community to
navigate the
technological
requirements of life.
Provide customer friendly technology by reviewing
user information guides/instructions and processes.
Provide access to programs and resources to improve
digital literacy and STEM outcomes for all ages.
Continue to build
a vibrant online
presence.
Market library collections to maximise usage and
awareness of what is available.
Evaluate existing marketing methods and campaigns.
Develop a marketing and communication plan to raise
awareness of library service, collections and programs.
An innovative
and customer
focussed online
library supported by
specialist staff.
Redevelop the library website to support mobile access and
other interactivity, with a proactive approach to anticipate
future customer expectations and needs.
Investigate options for a Libraries app.
Manage our assets
and services to a
high standard.
Maintain technology infrastructure to support
customers and ensures reliable connectivity, security
and capacity for growth.
Implement appropriate technological applications to
improve workflow efficiencies, self- service technologies
for improved customer service experience.
We are accountable
A library workforce
culture that facilitates
and maintains learning
and growth
Library teams and individuals lead the ongoing
improvement of services and programs through
professional development, digital skills, community
consultation, innovation and best practice.
Skills, behaviours and practices reflect and support
our goal.
Develop a library
structure that supports
the delivery of our
goals, and the needs of
our community
Critically analyse performance measures and align to
outcomes.
Develop and maintain processes and systems to
support excellent customer service.
Increase focus on
customer and user
experiences through
the development of
staff skills
Support and promote effective leadership.
Undertake mentoring and succession planning to
ensure retention of knowledge and skilled staff.
Build internal capabilities to foster positive working
relationships and collaborations.
Maintain industry
best practice in public
library provision
Manage library assets and services to a high standard.
Participate in state-wide industry networks and
collaborations to build staff knowledge, improve
customer service and explore opportunities for resource
and systems sharing. Continue relevant professional /
industry memberships.
