Mobile Library Services: Australian Trends

Adele Kenneally Glenelg Regional Library Corporation Vic and Christine Payne Mitchell Library Service Vic Received January 2000 The mobile library service models in use in Australia, their relevant trends and potential futures are described. Attention is focused on the Victorian model, where the state government funded 16 new vehicles in 1999. Some of the models developed in the US are also outlined. Edited version of a paper given at the Alia national public libraries conference Perth WA 14-17 November 1999 For the purpose of this paper, a mobile library is defined as 'a vehicle designed, equipped and operated to extend and facilitate access to public library service to those people who do not have reasonably convenient access to a public library'.(1) Mobile libraries play a vital role in communities throughout Australia. This is particularly so in rural and remote communities of low population density, where they also fulfil a social need as a meeting place, and function as distribution points for a myriad of specific local community information. Mobile libraries services are also provided to urban areas where pockets of population are isolated by main roads, highways, railways or natural barriers, in areas where a permanent building would be uneconomic, as an interim measure for developing communities which eventually need a static library and as a service to groups in the community with restricted access to libraries through isolation, institutionalisation, hospitalisation or age.(2) Australian mobile library service model A survey of mobile library services in Australia was undertaken in late 1998, providing an interesting snapshot of the trends.(3) This survey was undertaken prior to the purchase of 16 new vehicles in Victoria. There are approximately 81 mobile libraries currently operating in Australia. This model of service delivery is most popular in Queensland, NSW and Victoria with extensive mobile library networks providing service to both rural and fringe metropolitan areas. Western Australia In Western Australia the trend has been to establish fixed service points rather than mobile services. The large distances between populated areas is not conducive to cost effective mobile library service. Library service in the rural areas is provided mostly through libraries located in the local government offices, although with the declining rural population, the trend is towards joint use libraries with local schools. South Australia A similar situation exists in South Australia, where the trend since 1977 has been towards the establishment of joint use libraries in area and high schools, with a few in primary schools. A number are also associated with Tafe institutes. The mobile library services operate in fringe metropolitan areas around Adelaide, and other more populated areas. In the outback areas around Broken Hill in NSW, library materials are delivered by mail and courier. Tasmania Mobile library services were disbanded in Tasmania early in 1998. A 45 per cent decrease in usage was noted, although there was an increase in usage of other services. It appeared that mobile library users were double dipping and using the static branch libraries in the towns and also using the mobile library services. The State Library of Tasmania found that there was a dwindling needs and service base, and that the mobile libraries were in need of extensive maintenance or replacement. Consequently, the decision was made to disband the services. Northern Territory Mobile library services were recently trialed in the Northern Territory utilising a heavy duty caravan. The trial was unsuccessful and was eventually abandoned, as the caravan was too heavy and experienced air conditioning and power problems. Northern Territory Library Services has established an Aboriginal reference group to provide feedback and suggestions on appropriate models for providing library and information services to remote communities. …