After being away and bringing a fresh perspective to the hyperlinked library in Australia, Dr Stephens noted, “Ten years ago the focus was on using the social side of the web to extend the library, but now our conversations were about being present, meeting people in physical space and virtual, and finding balance.”
Three ways that they are using technology to stay connected are through providing digital tools, focusing on health and wellness, and providing beautiful spaces.
Digital skills spark new creative ideas in Arkai (Kubin) on Mua Island | State Library of Queensland
Mua Island, a rocky, well-watered island on the northern coast of Australia had free digital workshops. The workshops brought creative digital tools to the local community through Indigenous Knowledge Center. For many it was their first foray into creative digital tools, expanding opportunities for arts and storytelling.
92% of people in Victoria view the library as a safe place and 72 percent feel better when they go to the library, viewing it as a sanctuary of health and wellness. In Victoria, there is an epidemic of loneliness that is both physically and mentally detrimental. The public libraries of Victoria provide activities that are designed to build social connection and fight loneliness.
Their programs have focused on members of the LGBTQI community, people with mental health issues, and young people.
I was intrigued by their commitment to “co-design-where young people are really telling the libraries what it is that they need from libraries.”
Co-design is a notion that all libraries and communities could benefit from, involving stakeholders in every step from planning to implementation.
In my experience, people are experiencing acute loneliness in my community. While I believe this was inevitable with the shift toward online connection, Covid accelerated the challenge. Our challenge will be leveraging the strengths of technology to build human connection. The PLV use of online book clubs during Covid could be a helpful framework for building connection online that pairs with in-person relationships.
Bookworms Rejoice – The Best Libraries in Australia
The Design Files shares photos of truly incredible Australian spaces that would be a delight to connect in.
Geelong Library and Heritage Center, sometimes compared to the Death Star (ha!)
Bunjil Place Library
Woollahra Library
What an inspiring reflection! I really appreciate how this post highlights the balance between technology and genuine human connection. The examples from Australia nicely illustrate what it means for libraries to be responsive, caring, and future-focused.
I love the reminder that digital tools are not just about access, but about creativity, storytelling, and belonging. The vision of libraries as sanctuaries of connection and possibility feels especially powerful in a time when loneliness is so widespread. Thank you for sharing these examples and insights, because they are such a meaningful reminder of what hyperlinked libraries can truly be.
– Chelsea
Thank you for your comment, Chelsea.