Queensland, Australia: City Looks to Commercialise Libraries

From the Gold Coast Bulletin/GoldCoast.com.au:

Community activities at Gold Coast libraries could soon be slashed or fees introduced as the council looks to reduce its spending on books and go digital.
In an effort to make some money out of the city’s $23 million library service, the council also will consider partnering with commercial organisations such as bookshops.
During budget discussions earlier this week Mayor Tom Tate ordered the service’s collection development policy be reviewed and the turnover of books reduced.
Cr Tate suggested more of the library budget be spent on electronic books because of their increased popularity, but other councillors disagreed.
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Almost one in every two Gold Coasters has a library card that they can use at any of the 12 branch libraries and the mobile service. The 48 per cent membership figure is higher than the state average of 45 per cent.

Read the Complete Article
Several interesting issues discussed.
See Also: Gold Coast Library Collection Development Policy (Mentioned in Complete Article)
Hat Tip: @mattrweaver

Filed under: Libraries, News