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STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-2025

FOR THE WORKING GROUP ON MULTICULTURAL LIBRARY SERVICES (NSWPLA)

Final version approved, 11-10-21-Nicole Byrn NSWPL

PREFACE/INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

This updated Strategic Plan for the Working Group will ensure that a planned course is set for the next five years and will continue to ensure the Working Group has a high profile in the library profession.

BACKGROUND WORKING GROUP

The Working Group on Multicultural Library Services of NSW was established in June 1983, by librarians working in the field of library services for the Culturally and Linguistic Diverse Communities (CALD) community. The Working Group's role was to promote the provision of library resources to clients in a range of community languages.

The Working Group issued its first newsletter Breakthrough in September 1983. In 2002 the Working Group decided to finish publishing Breakthrough and in March 2003 a new section, titled ‘Multicultural News’ was inserted into Public Library News.

The Working Group's Constitutional Steering Committee was formed in 1985 which, in turn, produced objectives and a constitution.

In 1996 the Working Group officially affiliated with the Metropolitan Public Libraries Association (MPLA) and became a Sub-Committee of that body. A Country Public Libraries Association (CPLA) representative became a member of the Working Group in 2004.

The MPLA changed its name to Public Libraries NSW - Metropolitan and then to NSW Metropolitan Public Libraries Association (NSWMPLA) in 2011. The CPLA changed its name to Public Libraries NSW - Country and then Public Libraries NSW in 2010.

VISION

Every NSW public library will have access to an excellent resource collection and services that meet the needs of their CALD communities

MISSION

To lobby, advise, promote and improve the importance of library services for the CALD community.

OBJECTIVES

To provide leadership in the field of multicultural library service
To provide members of the group with a forum for discussion and for peer support
To raise the profile of multicultural library services
To encourage co-operation and networking amongst public libraries, the State Library of NSW, and other organisations.
To ensure that multicultural services are recognized as integral to public library services
To lobby for funds to secure resources, including technology, appropriate to CALD communities’ needs.

VALUES OF THE GROUP

Equality between individual members
free public library service
client focused public library service
equal access to services provided by public libraries
professionalism
co-operation/teamwork
open to new ideas
recognize the need to adapt to change
cultural diversity

CURRENT OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

Internal

geographically dispersed
diverse clientele between members
different levels of support and funding
common goals
diverse library management systems
rapid change of technology

External

different LGAs
cultural diversity of NSW population
policies of state and federal governments
changing boundaries of LGA's
affiliation with NSWPLA
support and funding from State Library
networking with other community organisations and service providers
clients access to technology/digital divide
government services online in English
ageing communities
rapid change of technology

SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths

affiliated with NSWPLA
existence of multicultural purchasing co-operative
support from the State Library of NSW through the multicultural consultant
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) bulk loans service
individual skills and knowledge of members
shared objectives & information
high number of clients
collections and existing resources
Co-operative purchasing
language skills of members
ongoing promotions and marketing
co-operative cataloguing
networking
success with grant funding applications

Weaknesses

competing priorities
consultation slows the decision-making process
limited collections in some languages
limited access to range of resources particularly for ageing CALD communities
limited availability of resources in some languages and formats
limited cataloguing of LOTE
ability to support new emerging communities
limited catalogue records available in script
library systems do not fully support scripts which limit a client’s ability to search library catalogues
decline of participation in cooperative acquisitions and cataloguing

Opportunities

retaining collections relevant to clients
advocacy
to develop new services and resources
networking
promotion of groups activities and functions
lobbying
submission of grant funding applications
effective use of electronic information and technology
media
partnerships

Threats

racism
community attitudes
censorship
Insufficient funding for LOTE collections and services
Publishing industry limitations

STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

Members of Working Group
library managers
library staff
council: general manager, mayor and councilors, council staff
volunteers
translators
NSWPLA
Multicultural Advisory Committees

External

government and non-government agencies
other service providers
community groups
library users and non-users
Multicultural NSW
Dept. of Local Govt.
Local Government
ethnic media
CALD community workers
Inter agencies
Federation of Ethnic Community’s Council Australia
Ethnic communities Council of NSW (ECC)
library suppliers

NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY

current collections in their languages
staff who can assist them
access to language aids and interpreting services
receive same level of service as English-speaking people
continuing development of the collections
facilitator for referral to other organisations
promotional material, signage in their own language
community information
bi-lingual storytelling and children’s activities
up to date collection of ESL material
recognition of their culture (displays and functions)
lobbying on their behalf to improve services
literacy classes and English conversation classes
access to technology and catalogues in their own language and to provide assistance with usage
opportunities for the community to participate in library events
access to training in the use of new technology in their own language
access to computers and wifi

NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF GROUP

active participation of members
management and Council support
easy access by phone, e-mail and other technologies
mentoring new staff working in multicultural library services
atmosphere of creativity and professional development
maintain and increase membership
mutual support
achievable goals ongoing review
ability to promote and market library services to CALD communities
opportunities to present at and attend conferences
access to the Multicultural Purchasing and Cataloguing Co-operative
opportunities for training and professional development

NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF LIBRARY MANAGERS

regular consultation and feedback to library managers from members
effective communication from the group
budget accountability
group should show leadership and initiative
provide advice and expertise
set achievable goals
should be accountable for its actions
support and use the Multicultural Purchasing and Cataloguing Co-operative
clear proposals regarding collections and services

KEY ISSUES FOR SUCCESS

support of NSWPLA
support of Library Managers/Council
availability of financial resources
skills of multicultural librarians
profile of Multicultural Working Group
support of the State Library and the Multicultural Consultant
flexibility and teamwork
effective communication
effectiveness of the Multicultural Purchasing and Cataloguing Co-operative
ongoing circulation of current LOTE bulk loan collection from the State Library of NSW