Last year Auckland Council launched the Fit for the Future programme to evolve our Libraries & Information model in response to changing customer needs.
Globally, libraries are experiencing a decline in the demand for print assets, and Auckland's library service is no different.
"We've seen that the demand for online and digital services is growing, while the number of physical transactions within our libraries has decreased," says Mirla Edmundson, General Manager Libraries and Information.
"We’re responding to the way our customers are using us and we need to change," she says.
One of the ways we're doing this is moving away from the traditional "one size fits all" library model and differentiating the services we offer between locations based on the needs of the community they serve.
“New libraries are being designed with this in mind – if you visit Tōia in Ōtāhuhu you’ll find a community hub that includes a pool and recreation centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, community meeting rooms and the library,” she says.
It's business as usual for our libraries
While services will change to meet customer demands, the current high levels of service Aucklanders enjoy from our 55 libraries and the equal access to information for everyone will stay the same. There will be no reduction of library hours or closure of any libraries as a result of this programme.
What’s happening now?
Over the last four months library staff have been involved in workshops and consultation on the proposed new model. This consultation included a voluntary redundancy option. Seventy-four voluntary redundancy applications have been accepted and those staff will be leaving their roles between now and 30 June 2017.
Overall, this equates to 48 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff in a library department that currently has 767 approved full time equivalent roles across the region.
We remain confident that the Fit for the Future programme will allow us to create a contemporary library service that offers value for money for ratepayers, and aligns our resources and services to meet the demands of a fast-growing and increasingly diverse Auckland.
Read more about how library services are changing and the council’s 10-year plan for libraries.
