Living Learning Libraries

The Library Council of NSW has formulated recommended minimum standards and guidelines for public library services in NSW, to help councils assess the level of service given by their public libraries to their respective communities. 

Living Learning Libraries is an evidence-based guide to the development of library services in NSW. It uses population-based peer cohorts for benchmarking, allowing easier comparisons among library services based on the populations of their communities.

The evidence base for the target figures is derived from the NSW Public Library Statistics and additional data collected annually in the statistical return and statement of library operations.  

In this update 2022/23 statistics are used with data submitted by councils as at 30 June 2023 and per capita calculations based on ABS population figures for June 2022.