Client profile and project

The Libraries for Health and Wellbeing Strategic Framework project was a collaborative, state-wide project delivered under the banner of the Statewide Public Library Development Projects (SPLDP).

The SPLDP is led by State Library Victoria, Victoria’s preeminent public library and Public Libraries Victoria, the peak body for all public libraries in the State. To support the delivery of the project, a working group consisting of library CEOs and staff from across the State was established.

The project commenced in December 2020 when State Library Victoria, under the banner of the SPLDP engaged Spark Strategy (Spark) to develop the Framework. The Framework consisted of a strategy, impact assessment framework and action roadmap and was the first of its kind globally.

Project context

Public libraries in Victoria have long played a significant role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the communities they services. However, this role has lacked acknowledgement from Government, partners and community.

As such, the project sought to develop a strategic framework that would guide how public libraries across Victoria support community health and wellbeing. It articulates the current role and activities of public libraries in supporting health and wellbeing, as well as building on and strengthening this through new ideas, responsibilities and priorities.

The project and strategic considerations

The strategic planning process engaged over 1,250 people with over 1500 stakeholder touchpoints through: 6 workshops with the working group; 6 focus groups with public library CEOs; 5 focus groups with public library staff; an audit survey of 38 public libraries; 24 interview with thought leaders across Australia and overseas; and a future-focused survey.

The following nuances and considerations made this project unique:

• Developing a strategy that is applicable and relevant to all public libraries with consideration to the wide spread in capability and capacity amongst libraries across the State.
• Ensuring that the Framework balanced state-wide priorities with sufficient scope to tailor it to place-based challenges.
• Narrowing down the scope of health and wellbeing to leverage the strengths of public libraries while addressing the key health and wellbeing challenges of the State.
• Achieving and engaging a wide representation of voices and individuals to support the development process.

Ultimately, the project culminated in a Framework that articulated the role and priorities of Victoria’s public library network in support community health and wellbeing, as well as how they will measure impact and specific projects and activities that will support the implementation of the Framework.