SECTION B
Purpose of Libraries Libraries are in a constant state of reinvention, as a response to advances in technology, but more importantly, as a response to the constantly changing needs of their communities. The Future of Libraries Summit (2015)5 noted that libraries in the twentyfirst century are much less about the consumption of information and moving towards being places of creativity. They are social spaces which are the basis of social interaction, learning skills – including, but not limited to technology – as well as some of the services traditionally delivered by libraries. International research shows that the conservative return on investment in public libraries is up to five times the level of investment (IFLA, 20206) and includes a range of both tangible benefits (access to library services, information access, ICT resources) and intangible benefits (improved levels of literacy contributing to higher education opportunities and better employment prospects). LIANZA. (2015). Future of Libraries: Summit report. Retrieved from: https://lianza.org.nz/wp-content/ uploads/2019/06/Future-of-Libraries-Summit-Report.pdf
5
6 International Federation of Library Associations. (2020). Library return on investment: Review of evidence from the last 10 years. https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/93198
2021--2026 // STRATEGIC PLAN -- HASTINGS DISTRICT LIBRARIES // 7
