Lots of reports this week looking at public libraries, content consumption and independent artists in the performing arts.
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Gah! I was unwell through the week so I am a day late getting this reading list out. I am hitting publish today from a hotel room in Lismore, NSW. Here’s what I’ve been reading this week last week:
Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report 2022-23
Engagement with public libraries is up but staffing and funding is down.
The Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report for the 2022-23 financial year is out. The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA) release the report on 29 October but it has taken me a bit of time to get to it. What stood out for me was that while library memberships are slightly down, online visits to library’s websites and catalogues are up, even on numbers in the peak of COVID-19 lockdowns, and so is digital lending.

