Public Libraries Australia

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Public Libraries Australia

Public Libraries New South Wales
Country Central East Zone Meeting Friday 25
August 2006
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PLA A Brief History

• The idea of an Australian Public Libraries
  Network was originally discussed at a meeting of
  public library stakeholders in 1995
• The concept was revisited at a national meeting
  on the future of public libraries in Australia on
  11-12 May 2000 held in Adelaide
• Meeting agreed that a consultancy be undertaken
  to develop brief for the business case for APLN
• This body to represent a coordinated voice and
  promote the interests of all public libraries in
  Australia

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PLA A Brief History

• This would take a great deal of planning,
  coordinating - all stakeholders to play a key
  role
• It was agreed to take the concept forward with a
  new name Public Libraries Australia
• A governance model was established, including a
  Board of Management with representatives from all
  Australian states and territories as well as
  appointees from ALGA, ALIA and CASL
• State committees were formed

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PLA Agenda

• Public libraries as a network have a strong
  product to offer government and business
• This strong product not yet properly articulated
• The Australian Public Library Network could be
  optimised by cooperation of all stakeholders,
  improved telecommunications and relevant content

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PLA Strategic Plan 2003-2006

• PLA developed an initial strategic plan from
  2003-2006
• Vision To be the peak body for all public
  libraries in Australia that is recognised by all
  levels of government
• Mission To represent, advocate for and support
  the interests of Australias public libraries

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Strategic Plan 2003-2006

• Strategic Objectives
• Representation of public libraries at a national
  level
• Provision of advocacy for public libraries
• Lobbying the Federal Government on behalf of
  public libraries
• To be the voice of Australian public libraries

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Strategic Plan 2006 - 2007

• The 2005 Inaugural PLA Conference included a
  strategic planning session
• The exisitng vision and mission were retained
• The PLA strategic objectives were revised as
  follows
• Defining the role and deliverables
• Developing a sustainable financial base
• Increasing membership

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Defining the role and deliverables

• Large number of representative bodies in sector
• Not intending to replicate other organisations
• Provide national focus for all public libraries
• Work with others in sector to achieve aims

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Developing a financial base

• Engage a patron to assist in developing
  appropriate networks
• Further develop membership base
• Develop and test a number of business models
• Develop national initiatives and corporate
  sponsors
• e.g. Auspice for Read Aloud

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Membership

• Increase membership and member engagement
• Provide local face for PLA
• Local champions
• Roadshow
• Confirm membership expectations regarding role

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Actions Since November 2005

• PLA Board met via teleconference to discuss ways
  of activating the strategic plan
• Board acknowledged that PLA was no longer
  sustainable as a voluntary organisation
• Resolved to seek a partnership arrangement to
  expedite appointment of a paid executive
• Held discussions with CPLA/MPLA and ALIA
• Resolved to further investigate the ALIA option

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PLA/ALIA Proposal

• Joint funding of a PLA Executive Officer position
  to focus on public library sector issues for both
  organisations
• PLA Executive Officer to be accommodated at ALIA
  House, supervised by ALIA Executive Director and
  responsible to PLA Board
• Development of a joint membership model
• Both organisations to maintain individual
  identities but work collaboratively on advocacy,
  support and services for public libraries

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Current PLA Activities

• Baby Boomers research Project (CSU, Monash
  University, SLNSW, Dept. Victorian Communities,
  UMRL)
• Books Alive 2006 (and now 2007)
• National Read Aloud Summit 2006 (and now 2007)
• Working Party to investigate a national Readers
  Advisory strategy
• National Regional Arts Summit (one of 25 peak
  bodies invited to discuss the future direction of
  arts and culture in regional Australia)

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Current PLA Activities

• Peak Bodies Forum (peak bodies from all
  Australian library sectors) 2005 2006
• National Site Licensing Group
• _at_ your library 2006
• Response to library sector issues (e.g. National
  Filter Scheme)
• Development of new PLA website at www.pla.org.au

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Next Steps

• Niki Kallenberger (ex SLNSW) has been appointed
  as PLA Project Officer to undertake broad
  consultation on the PLA/ALIA proposal
• The following areas will be considered
• Acknowledging achievements to date
• Identifying opportunities for joint future action
• Developing strategies for advocacy and lobbying
• Identifying research opportunities to inform
  enhanced service delivery
• Building relationships
• Branding and identity
• Developing appropriate capacity and
  infrastructure
• Developing a joint membership model

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Next Steps

• The PLA Board is meeting in Sydney on 30 August
  to consider issues about the partnership proposal
• Your input will greatly assist in our
  deliberations
• Please send you comments to Niki at
• Email niki.kallenberger_at_alia.org.au
• Phone [phone] or 0408 818 028