Project background

Council's Library Services Policies provide guidance to staff and members of the community on how a range of library services, programs and collections are managed, and how the community can access them.

These policies have been reviewed to take into account changes in the way library services are accessed by the community. Changes in legislation and guidelines, particularly the guidelines issued by the Library Council of NSW, the governing body of the State Library of NSW, have also been considered.

The current 12 policies have been reduced to five by combining several policies into one. These five revised policies were placed on public exhibition from 17 July - 18 August 2024.

About the draft policies

Draft Children, Young People and Library Services Policy

This policy aims to ensure access to library services for children and young people is provided in the safest, most responsible way. Changes made to the policy include:

• A significant update to ensure the Child Safe Standards and elements of the Children’s Guardian Act are incorporated
• The age for children who may be unattended in the library is listed rather than using the school year
• Additional policy elements added regarding how children attending library programs should be supervised

Draft Library Art Exhibitions and Displays Policy

This policy establishes a framework for hosting art exhibitions and displays within library spaces. Changes made to the policy include:

• More detail given about the spaces available
• A range of art mediums are accepted
• Introduction of an expression of interest process for exhibitions

Draft Library Collections Policy

This policy guides staff in the planning and development of collections to meet current and future community interests and needs. Changes made to the policy include:

• Removal of references to the collection as an asset and Council’s Asset Management Policy
• Removal of reference to specific collections which may change over time due to changes in demand
• Removal of reference to issues with more emphasis on collection development standards and guidelines

This policy establishes a framework for operating library facilities and services to ensure free and equitable access for all members of the public. Changes made to the policy include:

• Removal of loan periods as part of the policy to enable staff to review and amend when required
• Removal of fax use as the service is no longer provided
• Removal of procedural elements
• Reduction in age requiring parental permission to join the library from 18 to 16 years of age in line with community expectations and common practices in NSW public libraries

Draft Library Public Internet, Wifi and Computer Use Policy

This policy establishes a framework for the provision of public internet, WiFi and computers in library facilities. Changes made to the policy include:

• References made to the Wifi service
• Additional detail referencing legislation and guidelines including child safety, the Library Council of NSW guideline, Access to Information in NSW Public Libraries, and the Australian Library and Information Associations’ guideline on Online Content Regulation