Revisiting the Bookends Scenarios
In 2009 and 2014, the State Library of NSW collaborated with NSW public libraries on future scenario planning, guided by futurists Oliver Freeman and Richard Watson. These projects explored potential developments up to 2030 and considered how libraries might adapt as different scenarios emerged. Following consultation with the Strategic Network Committee, the State Library has re-engaged Freeman and Watson to lead a new phase of the project in 2025. This round will focus on identifying and analysing the futures public libraries need to prepare for as they move toward and beyond 2030.
Question research in NSW public libraries
The provision of a free basic reference service is one of the core services set out in the Library Act 1939.
Many libraries collect statistics about their reference services using the enquiry completion rate survey and other tools. However, there has been no comprehensive library-wide research about exactly what questions are asked at libraries.
This research project aims to identify every question asked at approximately 20 public libraries over two one-week periods in November 2025 and February 2026. The results will provide a snapshot of the questions being asked in libraries as well as identifying any professional development needs. The project is a collaboration between the Reference and Information Services Working Group, the State Library of NSW and Charles Sturt University.
Contact Ellen Forsyth for more information.
Perceptions of safety and NSW public libraries
The State Library of NSW is partnering with selected local councils and Transport for NSW through the Safer Cities program to trial initiatives aimed at improving the perceptions of safety for everyone, particularly women, girls, and gender-diverse people as they travel to, from, and within public spaces and transport hub precincts.
The project explores how perceptions of safety shape women, girls and gender diverse people’s access to libraries and their surrounding precincts through active and public transport. These insights will be tested and trialled through this project at four council's public library sites. The outcomes of this project will inform resources for use in library precincts across the state.
Multicultural collections
The State Library has partnered with the Macquarie University Multilingualism Research Centre to research the availability and use of multilingual digital platforms, including the current access in languages to State Library NSW multicultural services and collections (via public library catalogues and digital platforms/apps). A key aspect of the project is to assess the hybrid provision of digital and hard copy multicultural collections in public libraries. Four libraries have been invited to participate as reference sites.