Living Learning Libraries

Living Learning Libraries

What is Living Learning Libraries?

Living Learning Libraries is an evidence based guide to the development of library services in NSW. Written in two parts, it provides a practical basis for the comparison among library services, as well as a framework for service assessment and continuous improvement.

Living Learning Libraries - a population approach 2018 (7th edition)

This new edition is a substantial revision, which introduces population-based peer cohorts for benchmarking, allowing easier comparisons among library services based on the populations of their communities. The cohorts are defined as follows:

  • rural standalone population up to 20,000
  • rural regional library member population up to 20,000
  • urban small population 20,001 to 50,000
  • urban medium population 50,001 to 150,000
  • urban large population 150,001 and above

Libraries that are below their cohort median for a given standard are encouraged to consider the median as a target to attain. Libraries are encouraged to aim to be the top of their cohort to demonstrate council is delivering best practice services to the local community.

Library services in 2016/17 cohorts

Regional library services in 2016/17 cohorts

Previous versions

 PDF iconLiving Learning Libraries 2015 (6th edition)

PDF iconLiving Learning Libraries 2014 (5th edition)

Living Learning Libraries 2012 (4th edition)

PDF iconLiving Learning Libraries 2011 (3rd edition)

Earlier editions of Living Learning Libraries are available via Pandora.