August 8, 2002
SUBMISSION TO SENATE ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS REFERENCE COMMITTEE
SUBMISSION MADE BY GANNAWARRA LIBRARY SERVICE FOR SHIRE OF GANNAWARRA.
Gannawarra is a small public library service delivering a range of services to a remote, rural farming community currently suffering the effects of a stringent economy brought about by severe drought conditions and negative population growth. It is also an area of limited access to informational and recreational resources.
Access to the Internet was made available to the public in 1996 through government grants for provision and installation of equipment and network support. Over the ensuing six-year period the use rate has increased from 506 in 1996/97 to 3,825 in 2001/02.
While much of this increase can be attributed to recreational browsing by young adults there has been a significant increase in informational research from all sectors of the community.
Increased opportunities for community education through government funded Learning Centres, working co-operatively with the Library Service, has also raised public awareness of the Library’s role as a provider of online information. This is especially applicable to members of the older generation, who previously were generally unfamiliar and apprehensive when confronted with the alien concept of acquiring information online.
Economic availability is a prime community need, and in response to the prevailing economic climate throughout the service area, which restricts educational and recreational opportunities for many people, to date the Library imposes no charge for public access to online information.
The existing low level of employment opportunities is a dominant factor in the exodus of young people. It also adversely impacts upon those who choose to remain in the area through limited avenues for constructive use of time.
While recreational browsing may be construed as trivial, and a frivolous use of the Library’s electronic resources, it provides more productive use of time by young people in a secure, strictly monitored environment. Library staff have observed a distinct improvement in social skills arising from interaction with other users and staff. It must also be considered that there is likely positive gain in the acquisition of online search skills and some level of absorption of useful information which may lead to improved employment opportunities.
Off-campus studies at tertiary level are being increasingly sought by members of the community restricted by economic, family or other local commitments. The success of this method of study depends upon reliable online access to the resources of remote tertiary institutions.
The increasing number of networks established during recent years has expanded the Library Service’s available resources significantly; however, membership is, in many cases, subject to cost. Participation in co-operative partnerships between a number of libraries has allowed Gannawarra to reap the benefits of networks which would normally be beyond the limitations of their budget.
At present Library headquarters struggles with the disadvantages of outdated, inappropriate and restrictive premises. Future planning, strong commitment by Council and financial support from State Government has provided funding for a new purpose built library currently under construction and scheduled for opening early in 2003.
This will significantly improve the Library’s ability to provide access to online information service facilities in an appropriate environment. It will certainly enhance public awareness of the service and assist in the development of greater public knowledge and skills in using online and other library resources.
Prepared and authorized by
Julie Smith
Library Manager
PO Box 252
Cohuna
Victoria, 3568
Phone : 03 54 521546