New reports into libraries as physical spaces and the digital economy within everyone's reach

Did you know that nearly 90 percent of Australia’s library users think online library services are important, but only 61 percent are satisfied with the online experience they are receiving from libraries. That compares with 85 percent of the users who are happy with the physical experience of a library.

The finding comes in a report, Changing Landscape™ Report: the intrinsic value of libraries as public spaces, from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Approximately 600 library users in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom were surveyed for this report. Respondents indicated that usability (86 percent), free availability (75 percent) and device compatibility (63 percent) were the most valued features of a library website.

In response to the Australian Government's wide-ranging consultation on the digital economy, ALIA has produced Australian libraries: the digital economy within everyone's reach, a 28-page report explaining how libraries support digital inclusion, digital and information literacies, innovation in industry and in government.

The report contains useful data and compelling case studies from every state and territory, from public, school, special, academic and state libraries. It provides a colourful resource which libraries can use to explain how they are driving digital transformation in library management, collections, programs and services.

Changing Landscape™ Report: the intrinsic value of libraries as public spaces