Libraries Exchange 2 March 2023 

Agenda items discussed during the meeting. 

Tablelands Regional Council - How do smaller/regional/rural libraries attract popular authors for an author visit. 

• Some Councils have tried online sessions with not great success, customers preferring the ‘event’ feel of in library. Lockyer Valley found that a recording of an online session was popular.  

• Western Downs applied for a grant for equipment to enable live streaming. Next round of SLQ innovation grants coming in 2023/24 if you'd like to look at Western Down's approach to tech and sharing programming as an idea. 

• Make use of Libraries Managers List, databases and discussion lists to network. SLQ Discussion lists are here to make sure you're on the right ones  https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/connect-network/blog-discussions/discussion-lists 

• Don't forget the Public Libraries Connect Blog when you've had a good experience with an author. Just flick State Library a pic and a paragraph we can put it up and share it with the network 

• There was a fantastic youth writers program delivered by SLQ years ago 

• Free options like Ben's Bookclub through Overdrive 

• Connect with Writers Groups and Schools which may help with achieving the minimum number of attendees that some author visits require 

• Liaise with neighbouring councils to share costs 

• With promotional/publisher tours, there are 'rules' around the minimum distance between events - suggested the consortia concept could draw some big names regionally 

• State Library Qld State Library indicated they will definitely be taking this feedback and considering how we can support sharing this content re authors/speakers with councils 

Future libraries: Bettercommunities stakeholder symposium 8.30 am – 4.30 pm, Thursday 16 March 2023  | State Library of Queensland | Free – Registration essential (Link on our discussion board) 

General Discussion 

QPLA - What if any cultural awareness training has been provided for library staff? 

• Sunshine Coast have face to face and on country training for cultural awareness. 

• Suggested possibly liaising with Education Qldfor First Nations Contact in specific areas 

• Raised by one Council that Preferred Training Network would not be recommended for cultural awareness training as content was not relevant and out of date. 

State Library Qld 

• State Library Qld has undertaken a survey to all Councils through Survey Monkey 

• With a wider remit if you're looking at any online PD packages that you would like to explore - State Library could possibly assist financially with pilot programs - let us know your wish list or what types of online training would support your staff. Or anything you've done that you think would benefit a wider audience. lgc@slq.qld.gov.au 

• If you ever need a letter of support to influence or advocate for something for your library service within council - please chat to us in Local Government coordination team and maybe we can provide something in writing from our managerial levels to support your work.