Libraries SA x MCCSA - 'Using Our Libraries'

'Using Our Libraries': A Community Engagement Project

MCCSA and Libraries SA Community Engagement Project is a comprehensive response initiative by MCCSA to address the Public Libraries Service (PLS) Community Languages Review. In August 2023 MCCSA was successful in securing a 5 month work package aimed at understanding multicultural communities needs, uses, access and inclusion at public libraries across South Australia. This project was triggered by the declining uptake of Community Language collections and materials prompting an engagement project to be launched. MCCSA worked with the PLS to design a 3 step approach to this engagement process as follows:

1. Focus Groups across seven public libraries in South Australia. To date all seven of these have been completed with over 65 attendees (members of the CALD community) contributing their ideas, voice and opinions on how they use and what they would like to see in their libraries.

2. Roundtable discussions with representatives with the Community Languages Schools scheduled for early December.

3. ONLINE SURVEY - this survey is for anyone of a CALD background. MCCSA wants to hear from you – how you think libraries should service you, what you use your local library for and what can libraries do to bring you into their space. This survey takes about five minutes to complete and will go a long way in influencing the outcomes of how libraries can evolve with the changing landscape and be more inclusive and adaptable to the needs of the growing multicultural society we live in.

The last step in this engagement project is a way in which you can get involved, if you haven’t already: click on this link (www.surveymonkey. com/r/libraries-CV) or scan the QR code below to complete the survey. The survey will be open until the 18th of December 2023, with lucky draw winners announced before the 22nd of December. Don’t miss your chance to win a $100 voucher for participating.

For more information, contact Somi Lindsay via email: somi. lindsay@mccsa.org.au