Library Needs and Options Analyses

AEC are economic consultants based in Sydney with thirty years experience undertaking similar projects and helping local governments improve their sustainability resulting in more liveable and better communities.

Since the Ministerial DPA in 2010, the council has been active in considering community facility needs including the 2017 Community Facilities Study and Delivery Strategy, which outlined the future needs of the district.

The continuing popularity of the Mount Barker Community Library has further compounded the need for detailed analysis and consideration to be given to the future of library services.

The council’s Manager Customer Experience, Ben Footner said, “There has been significant growth in the use of the library since COVID with nearly 150,000 visits in the 2022-23 financial year. Community participation in library programs and events was also very strong, with nearly 20,000 people attending children’s programs, school holiday activities, and speaker events.”

“Council acknowledges the high level of community interest in the future of library services and there will be opportunities for input throughout the course of the project.”

The needs and options analyses will provide the council with context on broader library industry trends, need for investment, and an indication of the consequences of inaction.

Various options for the location of an expanded library service, including the library remaining at its current site, will be analysed taking into consideration usage and visitation projections based on historic attendance figures, projected population growth in key demographics, and benchmark participation rates.

Council staff will now begin working with AEC to finalise the scope and program for the needs and options analyses. The project is expected to take 6 months to complete.

AEC provided a return brief to the council which was considered at the meeting on Monday night and is now available on the council website.