Libraries Looking Forward
We asked four attendees from New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific who joined the recent LIANZA Libraries Looking Forward panel to report back and reflect on their personal highlights of the popular event.
New Zealand, Australia and Pacific nations are experiencing uncertainty as to what the ‘new normal’ could look like. There has been a wealth of inspiring kōrero about a post-COVID-19 recovery and the opportunity to build a society that prioritises our interconnections with each other and the planet.
This online LIANZA event explored how libraries are responding to the global pandemic, sharing different perspectives and providing new insights about the impact that libraries are making in our countries and regions. Our panel from ‘down-under’ discussed their ideas for the future, the opportunities that lie ahead and how we can work together to strengthen libraries to connect and power our communities.
New Zealand, Australia and Pacific nations are experiencing uncertainty as to what the ‘new normal’ could look like. There has been a wealth of inspiring kōrero about a post-COVID-19 recovery and the opportunity to build a society that prioritises our interconnections with each other and the planet.
This online LIANZA event explored how libraries are responding to the global pandemic, sharing different perspectives and providing new insights about the impact that libraries are making in our countries and regions. Our panel from ‘down-under’ discussed their ideas for the future, the opportunities that lie ahead and how we can work together to strengthen libraries to connect and power our communities.
The LIANZA Libraries Looking Forward panel:
- Christine Mackenzie, President, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
- Marie-Louise Ayres, Director-General, National Library of Australia
- Elizabeth Fong, University Librarian, University of the South Pacific, Suva
- Jane Cowell, CEO, Yarra Plenty Regional Library, Melbourne
- Mirla Edmundson, General Manager, Auckland Libraries
- Chris Cormack, Technical Lead - Koha and Kaihuawaere Matihiko, Catalyst, Wellington
- Chris Szekely, Chief Librarian, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington
- Sue Roberts, University Librarian, University of Auckland
- Bill Macnaught, National Librarian, Tui Te Hau (National Library of New Zealand),.
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Our first report is from Brendan Fitzgerald. Brendan is the director of 641 DI, a Melbourne-based consultancy working with the public libraries, the NFP sector and government agencies. He facilitated with Dr Matt Finch the very successful LIANZA Futures and Impact workshops last year. Brendan writes:
Library leaders from across New Zealand, the Pacific and Australia recently gathered in the ‘Great Conference Hall of Zoomland’ to explore how libraries had responded to the global pandemic. Entitled ‘Libraries Looking Forward’, it could just as easily have been called ‘riding the winds of change’, as the experience of COVID-19 has blown us in all directions. Expertly facilitated by Tui Te Hau (National Library of New Zealand), and taking the shape of a traditional Q&A format, the discussion set out to explore the impact and opportunities that the pandemic offered libraries. |
Whilst there was a general view, akin to that not so old saying about never letting a ‘good crisis go to waste’ *, in that the pandemic offered libraries an opportunity to reposition themselves, there was also a strong reminder of the need to ‘balance the brutal truth with bright optimism to the future’. This is especially the case for Pacific island libraries where the impact of COVID-19 on their economies is likely to set their libraries back some years.
How we focus on working with colleagues across the region to build capability and co-operation across organisations and countries was highlighted as central in ensuring our response included those that may not be in a position to rethink or reposition as easily as others. How can we practically build on such things as the INELI-Oceania relationships? Can we support and expand capacity in virtual sharing and build more virtual collaboration across the region based on the experience arising from the Pacific Virtual Museum? Can we share expertise and build a community with stronger capacity to experiment?
Another theme was the importance of research on the impact and value of libraries. The importance of telling these stories, and telling them widely and well was discussed. Building long standing research partnerships with the university sector was seen as one important way to develop rigour around measuring impact. Additionally, leadership from our national, state and regional libraries working collegially to tell the story of library impact was seen as important. The need to gather and share those stories, within the profession (but more importantly outside) was highlighted. The Library Map of the World on IFLA’s website was highlighted as one tool to share globally the impact of libraries.
Overall, there was a strong feeling that, despite some forecast turbulence ahead, the pandemic gives libraries the chance to rethink the way things have been done in the past. And it is this that could be the really big opportunity for libraries. The question of how our collections and services truly reflect the people of our region rather than those of our collective colonial pasts. Can we create new strategies to build relationships, collect stories and engage with our communities? Can we rethink our skill sets to take full advantage of this opportunity for change?
It is clear that the fabric of people’s lives has changed (and is changing) as a result of COVID-19, and so too has the library world. As such, the strategies needed to sail through these changing oceans will require higher degrees of experimentation (including failure ) along with a greater openness to the risk of navigating uncharted routes.
As with all thoughtful discussions more questions were left hanging than answered including the big one as to what actually is this ‘new normal,’ and was there ever a normal in the first place?
* Footnote:
Not an old saying at all – it’s from 2008 – Rahm Emanue, chief of staff to former US president Barack Obama, (speaking about the global financial crisis) told a Wall Street Journal forum: ‘You never want a serious crisis to go to waste … And what I mean by that is, it’s an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.’
How we focus on working with colleagues across the region to build capability and co-operation across organisations and countries was highlighted as central in ensuring our response included those that may not be in a position to rethink or reposition as easily as others. How can we practically build on such things as the INELI-Oceania relationships? Can we support and expand capacity in virtual sharing and build more virtual collaboration across the region based on the experience arising from the Pacific Virtual Museum? Can we share expertise and build a community with stronger capacity to experiment?
Another theme was the importance of research on the impact and value of libraries. The importance of telling these stories, and telling them widely and well was discussed. Building long standing research partnerships with the university sector was seen as one important way to develop rigour around measuring impact. Additionally, leadership from our national, state and regional libraries working collegially to tell the story of library impact was seen as important. The need to gather and share those stories, within the profession (but more importantly outside) was highlighted. The Library Map of the World on IFLA’s website was highlighted as one tool to share globally the impact of libraries.
Overall, there was a strong feeling that, despite some forecast turbulence ahead, the pandemic gives libraries the chance to rethink the way things have been done in the past. And it is this that could be the really big opportunity for libraries. The question of how our collections and services truly reflect the people of our region rather than those of our collective colonial pasts. Can we create new strategies to build relationships, collect stories and engage with our communities? Can we rethink our skill sets to take full advantage of this opportunity for change?
It is clear that the fabric of people’s lives has changed (and is changing) as a result of COVID-19, and so too has the library world. As such, the strategies needed to sail through these changing oceans will require higher degrees of experimentation (including failure ) along with a greater openness to the risk of navigating uncharted routes.
As with all thoughtful discussions more questions were left hanging than answered including the big one as to what actually is this ‘new normal,’ and was there ever a normal in the first place?
* Footnote:
Not an old saying at all – it’s from 2008 – Rahm Emanue, chief of staff to former US president Barack Obama, (speaking about the global financial crisis) told a Wall Street Journal forum: ‘You never want a serious crisis to go to waste … And what I mean by that is, it’s an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.’
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Ania Biazik is the Manager at Birkenhead Library and Civic Centre. She is a graduate from INELI – Oceania. INELI-Oceania is based on the highly successful International Network of Library Innovators (INELI), a project of the Global Libraries initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which since 2011 has provided emerging library leaders with opportunities to connect with each other – to explore new ideas, to experiment with new services and to learn from one another.
If you were not able to attend the live panel event, then take the chance to tune into this LIANZA webinar. This is kōrero worth hearing. Oceania library leaders shared their insights on challenges and opportunities in the new normal’ post-Covid19 world. This conversation was kindly facilitated by ever-eloquent Tui Te Hau. I would highly recommend reviewing the IFLA Trend report 2019 update. It ties in well with the themes discussed at the webinar. |
The webinar highlighted innovation and nobody doubts that libraries and their staff rose to the challenge of closed physical libraries – operating 24/7 in digital space; addressing digital divide; negotiating with vendors; and shifting to outcomes mode of working. Our organisations received a stream of acknowledgements and positive media coverage.
However, what I enjoyed the most in this discussion is that the debate resurfaced challenges around silent voices from our diverse communities; the drive to decolonise libraries and increase access to unique taonga from the Alexander Turnbull library. The financial reality of academic libraries is brutal due to decreased funding from the international students’ fees. The challenge is real in the Pacific nations due to increased economic isolation.
It’s been reassuring to hear that the national librarians in Australia, New Zealand and libraries across the Pacific are vocal in their advocacy and work towards high impact reports and stories. Christine McKenzie's motto: ‘Let’s work together’ summed up for me the spirit of this webinar and what we may expect in the future in our profession.
So, over to you to click here and listen to the panel event.
However, what I enjoyed the most in this discussion is that the debate resurfaced challenges around silent voices from our diverse communities; the drive to decolonise libraries and increase access to unique taonga from the Alexander Turnbull library. The financial reality of academic libraries is brutal due to decreased funding from the international students’ fees. The challenge is real in the Pacific nations due to increased economic isolation.
It’s been reassuring to hear that the national librarians in Australia, New Zealand and libraries across the Pacific are vocal in their advocacy and work towards high impact reports and stories. Christine McKenzie's motto: ‘Let’s work together’ summed up for me the spirit of this webinar and what we may expect in the future in our profession.
So, over to you to click here and listen to the panel event.
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Lillian Pak is the Programme Development Manager at Hutt City Libraries. She presented at LIANZA19 Conference on Hutt City Libraries collaborating with Taita College to raise NCEA achievement, literacy levels, and to provide learning experiences within the school that support learning engagement, career and study pathways.
Lillian writes: COVID-19 had had a huge impact globally. To date, there have been almost 35 million cases and over 1 million deaths worldwide. It has affected everyone, every country and every industry, including libraries. The ‘Libraries Looking Forward’ discussion was focussed on the effects of COVID-19, how libraries have responded, the insights gained, how the pandemic is shaping the future of libraries, and the opportunities that lie ahead. |
Much of the discussion felt familiar. We all faced the same challenges and made similar decisions at our own libraries. We all sympathised when Mirla Edmundson (General Manager, Auckland Libraries) spoke about the extremely difficult decision to close 55 community libraries because the health and safety of the community and her staff was the priority. We could all relate when Elizabeth Fong (University Librarian, University of the South Pacific, Suva) outlined concerns about digital access and equity in her community, and spoke about how her library distributed devices in response. I could sense the collective nod when Marie-Louise Ayres (Director-General, National Library of Australia) explained how her library saw a huge increase in the uptake and use of digital resources during lockdown, and when Jane Cowell (CEO, Yarra Plenty Regional Library, Melbourne) noted that her library saw a 600% increase in the use of e-resources.
What was clear throughout the webinar is that library staff are passionate about and committed to the communities they serve. Panellists described how amazing and capable their library staff were at adapting, learning quickly, and being agile. Lockdown saw many library staff quickly re-deployed to support pandemic management projects such as contacting the elderly (i.e., welfare and wellbeing checks), distributing affordable modems, and providing technical support on the phone to help residents get online and use online resources. Library staff were also agile and creative in connecting meaningfully with their communities through developing online resources, moving their programmes online, running virtual storytime sessions, creating online communities, online homework help, piloting online reading rooms, etc.
Chris Szekely (Chief Librarian, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington) conveyed what we have come to realise when he stated that he believed these developments would remain after the crisis. This sentiment was echoed by others on the panel. This is now our “new normal”. As Sue Roberts (University Librarian, University of Auckland) explained, we will be approaching new services, programmes and projects with a different perspective where we will be balancing the brutal truth while being optimistic; looking even more towards partnerships; working more remotely; and moving from a presenteeism mode to an outcomes mode. We have clearly proven libraries are nimble and innovative and that we can successfully run hybrid models. The importance of the libraries is not measured by the head counts through the doors; but, the significant impact we have on our communities (This personally reinforced for me how important it is for libraries to examine how we monitor and evaluate what we do and how it impacts our communities).
It was reaffirming to hear the panel describe the positive and sometimes unexpected impacts their COVID-19 initiatives had on their communities, and how libraries are continuing to mobilise to support our communities for the post-COVID-19 world. Libraries proved how essential they are. We offer a solid presence of connection, support and education for everyone. The success stories were inspiring to hear. But, as Christine Mackenzie (President, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) noted, we need to continue to share these good news stories. This was a good reminder that we need to be storytellers and create powerful elevator pitches that speak our truth, that generate enthusiasm, and that garner interest and support for libraries – especially in times of economic restrictions.
A few of the panellists reflected on how their library’s pandemic response built their brand and reputation and how this translated into increased community support. In Auckland, community consultation of the emergency budget resulted in the proposed cuts to Auckland Libraries’ hours not materialising. Yarra Plenty Regional Library received an increase in their budget because their community asserted libraries should be what is invested in. National Librarian Bill Macnaught (National Library of New Zealand) spoke about the $60 million investment in libraries, especially public libraries, by the New Zealand government.
As we plan and move towards the post-COVID-19 world, we were reminded by Christine Mackenzie that libraries are more than just proponents of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Libraries are also a vital vehicle to achieve the SDGs in a world that better understands interconnectedness and the power of our communities. Libraries play an important role in education, skills development, digital access, equity, economic recovery, social wellbeing, etc. We are an integral part of the fabric of people’s lives.
Towards the end of the panel discussion, the panellists began to touch on areas where New Zealand libraries needed further work and improvement to help achieve the SDGs. Chris Cormack (Technical Lead - Koha and Kaihuawaere Matihiko, Catalyst, Wellington) spoke about decolonising our libraries and the importance of doing so. Chris Szekely added to this by expressing the need to have our collections better reflecting the people in New Zealand. He also spoke about the need to form stronger relationships with our different communities to achieve this and in a way where they also have real agency to do so. Although representation and equity have been long-identified gaps, it was encouraging to hear that libraries are having those discussions. I hope LIANZA will facilitate future panel discussions on these topics.
Thank you, Tui Te Hau, for facilitating the discussion and for asking the questions that elicited such interesting and insightful responses that were honest but also provided hope. As I reflected on the webinar over the weekend, I was reminded of a quote from T.S. Eliot – ‘the very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.’
What was clear throughout the webinar is that library staff are passionate about and committed to the communities they serve. Panellists described how amazing and capable their library staff were at adapting, learning quickly, and being agile. Lockdown saw many library staff quickly re-deployed to support pandemic management projects such as contacting the elderly (i.e., welfare and wellbeing checks), distributing affordable modems, and providing technical support on the phone to help residents get online and use online resources. Library staff were also agile and creative in connecting meaningfully with their communities through developing online resources, moving their programmes online, running virtual storytime sessions, creating online communities, online homework help, piloting online reading rooms, etc.
Chris Szekely (Chief Librarian, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington) conveyed what we have come to realise when he stated that he believed these developments would remain after the crisis. This sentiment was echoed by others on the panel. This is now our “new normal”. As Sue Roberts (University Librarian, University of Auckland) explained, we will be approaching new services, programmes and projects with a different perspective where we will be balancing the brutal truth while being optimistic; looking even more towards partnerships; working more remotely; and moving from a presenteeism mode to an outcomes mode. We have clearly proven libraries are nimble and innovative and that we can successfully run hybrid models. The importance of the libraries is not measured by the head counts through the doors; but, the significant impact we have on our communities (This personally reinforced for me how important it is for libraries to examine how we monitor and evaluate what we do and how it impacts our communities).
It was reaffirming to hear the panel describe the positive and sometimes unexpected impacts their COVID-19 initiatives had on their communities, and how libraries are continuing to mobilise to support our communities for the post-COVID-19 world. Libraries proved how essential they are. We offer a solid presence of connection, support and education for everyone. The success stories were inspiring to hear. But, as Christine Mackenzie (President, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) noted, we need to continue to share these good news stories. This was a good reminder that we need to be storytellers and create powerful elevator pitches that speak our truth, that generate enthusiasm, and that garner interest and support for libraries – especially in times of economic restrictions.
A few of the panellists reflected on how their library’s pandemic response built their brand and reputation and how this translated into increased community support. In Auckland, community consultation of the emergency budget resulted in the proposed cuts to Auckland Libraries’ hours not materialising. Yarra Plenty Regional Library received an increase in their budget because their community asserted libraries should be what is invested in. National Librarian Bill Macnaught (National Library of New Zealand) spoke about the $60 million investment in libraries, especially public libraries, by the New Zealand government.
As we plan and move towards the post-COVID-19 world, we were reminded by Christine Mackenzie that libraries are more than just proponents of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Libraries are also a vital vehicle to achieve the SDGs in a world that better understands interconnectedness and the power of our communities. Libraries play an important role in education, skills development, digital access, equity, economic recovery, social wellbeing, etc. We are an integral part of the fabric of people’s lives.
Towards the end of the panel discussion, the panellists began to touch on areas where New Zealand libraries needed further work and improvement to help achieve the SDGs. Chris Cormack (Technical Lead - Koha and Kaihuawaere Matihiko, Catalyst, Wellington) spoke about decolonising our libraries and the importance of doing so. Chris Szekely added to this by expressing the need to have our collections better reflecting the people in New Zealand. He also spoke about the need to form stronger relationships with our different communities to achieve this and in a way where they also have real agency to do so. Although representation and equity have been long-identified gaps, it was encouraging to hear that libraries are having those discussions. I hope LIANZA will facilitate future panel discussions on these topics.
Thank you, Tui Te Hau, for facilitating the discussion and for asking the questions that elicited such interesting and insightful responses that were honest but also provided hope. As I reflected on the webinar over the weekend, I was reminded of a quote from T.S. Eliot – ‘the very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.’
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Ela Qica is Senior Librarian at The University of the South Pacific (USP), which is the premier provider of tertiary education in the Pacific region. She is also part of the leadership team for the Pacific Libraries Network. Ela wrote her thoughts on the discussions from a Fijian perspective:
The ‘new normal’ will no longer return us to how we were. Instead it will dictate for us how we do things differently aside from ‘business as usual’. Libraries will have to relook at their role because it has changed especially during the onset of the pandemic Covid-19. For example, libraries that did have digital collections, an integrated library system, were not fully closed because users were still able to acquire information from the digital collections; extend the loan period of their items online; access the e-books; online journals; databases; and OERs. These services could continue and were offered to their advantage. Libraries that did not have this were totally closed and so were their services. |
There were five key points I took away from the discussion:
Point 1: Libraries that still have yet to acquire an integrated system or digital collection must seriously consider acquisition of the same for users to access collections virtually. There are open access applications like KOHA for an integrated library system and Greenstone for digital collections whose experts are here in the Pacific to assist as well.
Point 2: Libraries that do have digital platforms and integrated library systems for users must also upskill their staff in the use and connectivity of gadgets that avail: tablets, mobile phones, laptops. They will need to know if users need help with (i) how to connect (ii) how to find the resources (iii) how to save, download etc. The subject of user education extends from the library resources to the gadgets used.
Point 3: Libraries that only have physical collections and were closed, should consider activities that take the library to their communities. For example, establish reading sessions over the radio or tv stations for children by working with the Ministry of Education and the City Council or library staff offering help sessions to students in a community hall. Most villages have community halls that can be used to benefit village children in library related activities.
Point 4: Libraries need to form partnerships and collaborate across disciplines at all levels so that we help our people, our economy and nation with information that supports progress and moves us forward. We all work on reduced budgets and may not be a priority on the agenda of governments but where libraries are a line item in budgets of, for example, the Ministry of Education, professionals can help the ‘brave’ para-professionals who have leadership roles in these libraries. The establishment of a community of professionals linking together as service providers is a great idea!
Point 5: Libraries continue advocating their work with the help of Library Associations through social media, a visit to the community village library to publish something unique about that village that needs sharing and publicising with others. Librarians and library staff have been at the forefront of establishing these communal libraries turned to study spaces for school students in the evenings. The results of these stories can be shared as our feedback with IFLA to fulfill SDG goals and our governments to recognise the value of our role for the community and the nation.
Point 1: Libraries that still have yet to acquire an integrated system or digital collection must seriously consider acquisition of the same for users to access collections virtually. There are open access applications like KOHA for an integrated library system and Greenstone for digital collections whose experts are here in the Pacific to assist as well.
Point 2: Libraries that do have digital platforms and integrated library systems for users must also upskill their staff in the use and connectivity of gadgets that avail: tablets, mobile phones, laptops. They will need to know if users need help with (i) how to connect (ii) how to find the resources (iii) how to save, download etc. The subject of user education extends from the library resources to the gadgets used.
Point 3: Libraries that only have physical collections and were closed, should consider activities that take the library to their communities. For example, establish reading sessions over the radio or tv stations for children by working with the Ministry of Education and the City Council or library staff offering help sessions to students in a community hall. Most villages have community halls that can be used to benefit village children in library related activities.
Point 4: Libraries need to form partnerships and collaborate across disciplines at all levels so that we help our people, our economy and nation with information that supports progress and moves us forward. We all work on reduced budgets and may not be a priority on the agenda of governments but where libraries are a line item in budgets of, for example, the Ministry of Education, professionals can help the ‘brave’ para-professionals who have leadership roles in these libraries. The establishment of a community of professionals linking together as service providers is a great idea!
Point 5: Libraries continue advocating their work with the help of Library Associations through social media, a visit to the community village library to publish something unique about that village that needs sharing and publicising with others. Librarians and library staff have been at the forefront of establishing these communal libraries turned to study spaces for school students in the evenings. The results of these stories can be shared as our feedback with IFLA to fulfill SDG goals and our governments to recognise the value of our role for the community and the nation.