Partnering with NSW public libraries

NSW public libraries are operated by local government with assistance from the State Government through the State Library of NSW. 

Public libraries across NSW form a network of local access points for information and services provided by local, state and federal government.  

Public libraries partner with government and non-government agencies to deliver information or services to communities through local libraries. For example, the NSW public library network partners with NSW Health and the State Library to deliver a free drug and alcohol information service for the community of NSW.

FAMOUS principles

Proposals to partner with the NSW public library network are assessed against the FAMOUS principles. These principles have been prepared to assist with the assessment of proposals to provide collections, resources or services from government or non-government agencies wishing to partner with the NSW public library network.

While strongly committed to facilitating access to information, including e-government information and services, public libraries face constraints in space and facilities, staffing, connectivity and equipment and funding which limit their capacity to take on the delivery of additional services. Public libraries are public spaces and are not appropriate for the delivery of some services such as personalised services for individuals or services with privacy implications, although they may be able to provide meeting rooms for visiting specialists offering such services.

Any proposal to partner with the NSW public library network should be ‘FAMOUS’:  

1. Feasible for delivery within the space and design constraints of the public libraries.  
2. Appropriate for delivery via the public libraries.  
3. Mutually beneficial for the libraries and the partner agency.  
4. Optional for participation by the public libraries.  
5. Useful and timely for public library clients.  
6. Sustainable with the existing resources of the public libraries. 

Application of the principles

All proposals for partnership will be assessed against the FAMOUS principles by applying the following criteria: 

Feasible

Feasible for delivery within the space and constraints of the public libraries  

• Has the proposal been piloted with public libraries?  
• What consultation has been undertaken?  
• Does the proposal have space, display or signage requirements?  

Appropriate

Appropriate for delivery via the public libraries  

• Would the proposal be consistent with the collection profiles of public libraries?  
• Would the proposal be appropriately delivered through public libraries (accessibility, privacy, staff skills, infrastructure, etc.)?  
• Are there any risks inherent in the proposal? How might they be mitigated?

Mutually beneficial

Mutually beneficial for the libraries and the partner agency  

• What is the proposed promotional strategy?  
• Will there be any opportunities for mutual promotion or co-branding?  
• Will the initiative be evaluated? At what point?  

Optional

Optional for participation by the public libraries  

• Can public libraries participate via an opt-in arrangement?  
• Can public libraries decide to participate or withdraw subsequent to the launch? 

Useful

Useful and timely for public library clients  

• Does the proposal meet relevant standards in accuracy, authority, presentation?  
• Is there provision to update the collection or resource?  
• Is the initiative for a specific date or time period or is it continuing?  

Sustainable

Sustainable with existing resources of the public libraries  

• Would the proposal incur additional costs for public libraries?  
• If so, would the costs be offset by any savings and/or is a subsidy available?  

The State Library of NSW will assist with the assessment of network wide proposals and may agree to facilitate ordering, distribution or promotion to public libraries on a case-by-case basis.  

Agencies are encouraged to self-assess against the criteria prior to contacting the State Library of NSW.