Project LUCI takes flight

Back in 2012 the State Library of Queensland (SLQ) undertook research into what a Digital Public Library could be.  From this research a concept evolved for an e-lending and e-publishing platform for local access to relevant user-focused content colloquially named ALICE.  External consultation was conducted in 2013 and ALICE was further developed to become an aggregated service to library users which supports the co-creation of local content and the equitable access to published and local content on an e-content platform.

In 2016 interest from State Governments of Victoria and South Australia was also shown in the concept and SOLUS, a UK based firm, approached SLQ to develop LUCI, based on the early work undertaken on the ALICE project.  To inform this work Project LUCI Working Groups have been formed in each State to ensure the product developed has practical Library Industry input.

Key features of the imagined Project LUCI are:

• Seamless and secure integration with all content providers using webservers - in real time


• A single web login to access library collections statewide


• A digital library card and single search bar


• Personalised discovery layer once logged into the application


• Features that can be found in an Amazon book search – such as reviews and awards


• Virtual book clubs that have the capacity to appeal to communities across municipalities


• Features to support reading challenges – i.e. Premiers’ Reading Challenge

It is very exciting to be at the forefront of development in library industry technology and this was recognized by Queensland Library staff when a callout went out for the Queensland Project Luci Working Group.  Members nominated from across the whole State and represent Libraries from large to small.

• Anna Kinney, Electronic Services Librarian Moreton Bay Regional Council


• Cate Washington, Support Services Supervisor Cairns Libraries


• Donna Kellion, Digital Literacy Librarian Mackay Regional Council


• Fiona Miles, Systems Support & Learning Development Mackay Regional Council


• Leanne Crossland, Library Supervisor Carpentaria Shire Council


• Matt Pascoe, Library Business Services Manager Ipswich City Council


• Nicole Kilah, Branch Coordinator, Laidley Library,


• Warren Cheetham, Coordinator Planning & Business Development, City Libraries Townsville


• Clare Fry, Digital Services Supervisor Sunshine Coast Libraries


• Kathy Shilvock, Information Services Librarian, Community & Culture, Fraser Coast Libraries

Representing QPLA is Sylvia Swalling, Library Services Manager, Ipswich City Council.

Our first meeting will be organized for early December so watch this space for more exciting news as the project develops.

About the author: Jane Cowell is Executive Director Information and Engagement at State Library of Queensland.