Learn more about the Prevention of Family Violence Statement of Commitment:

http://www.grlc.vic.gov.au/news/saying-no-family-violence

Learn more about Food for Fines:

http://www.grlc.vic.gov.au/news/food-fines-2017

Geelong region’s libraries number one in State

For the fourth year running, the Geelong Regional Library Corporation has been rated as Victoria’s highest ranking public library service.

An independent analysis of the library corporation’s comparative performance and industry standing based on the 2016-17 Annual Survey of Victorian Public Libraries conducted by I & J Management Services has found that the region’s library corporation continues with its number one ranking.

The ranking in relation to other Victorian public library services is assessed on the basis of the Public Library of Victoria’s 10 key indicators of performance.

The analysis of data from the 2016-17 Annual Survey of Victorian Public Libraries demonstrates that the GRLC not only delivers on performance – it is also enjoys one of the highest levels of library usage per capita in the State with nearly one in two residents of the region being library members.

The GRLC achieves its exceptional outcomes with levels of financial and operational efficiencies that are equivalent to the industry average, displaying the highly desirable combination of very high service levels and usage delivered at average industry cost.

The I & J Management report also clearly indicates the performance and operational efficiencies of the shared services model with six out of ten of the State’s top 10 library services being corporation model services like the GRLC.

Cr Margot Smith, Chair of Geelong Regional Libraries, says that she is thrilled that the GRLC continues to be the State’s best performing library service.

“We should all be exceptionally proud of this achievement. Once again, the Geelong region’s library corporation has set the benchmark in service performance and received number one status ahead of our big-city services” says Cr Smith.

“It is very gratifying, on the 20th anniversary of the library corporation, that these results shine a light on the benefits of partnership and collaboration and the excellent results we enjoy from our four member councils working together to deliver high-level services for our region’s community.”

The report also highlights the Corporation’s ability to adapt to changes in the community’s expectations of their library service with a high turnover of digital items and WiFi use and a huge increase in participation at library events and programs from 68,000 in 2011-12 to 150,000 in 2016-17.

With 41% of the region’s population enjoying the benefits of membership, and two million visits to GRLC branches in 2016-17, it is clear that many people already know the rewards of accessing the services of their local library.

The Corporation’s library user survey in 2016 showed an average user satisfaction rating of 4.75 out of 5 indicating a very high level of customer satisfaction with the State’s number one performing library service.