Jane Garner
From 1–3 July 2025, the Charles Sturt University Libraries Research Group proudly hosted the Australasian Public Library Conference. Held online to mark 50 years of Library & Information Studies at CSU, the event brought together researchers, practitioners, and community leaders to explore the changing role of public libraries.
Over three days and six themed sessions, participants shared insights into how libraries are evolving to meet community needs. If you missed a session—or want to revisit the conversations—recordings are now available here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCK1lMuHn4SGiy87A-cyKcQ
Key Themes & Presenters
- The Role & Function of Public Libraries opened the conference, chaired by Professor Philip Hider (CSU). Presenters included Dr Africa Hands (University at Buffalo) on the nimbleness of libraries, Dr Salene Schloffel-Armstrong (University of Auckland) on libraries as social infrastructure, and Associate Professor Spencer Lilley (Victoria University of Wellington) on connecting with Indigenous communities.
- Collection Development & Management, chaired by Dr Simon Wakeling (CSU), explored the pressures and opportunities of building collections. Associate Professor Jane Garner (CSU) discussed first-language reading among migrant communities, Professor Anne Goulding (Victoria University of Wellington) examined contemporary practices in Aotearoa, and Ellen Forsyth (State Library of NSW) highlighted the importance of local studies collections.
- Programs, Services & Community Engagement was chaired by Associate Professor Jane Garner (CSU) and featured Dr Jo Kaeding (University of South Australia) on improving access for people with print disability, Nerida Dye (Campaspe Library) on libraries and social prescribing, and Ian Phillips (I & J Management Services) on understanding non-users.
- Indigenous Perspectives, chaired by Dr Elise Rosser (CSU), highlighted how First Nations voices are reshaping libraries. Pippa Herden (University of Sydney) spoke on First Nations collections, Jasmin Ratana (Whanganui District Library) shared ways to activate Indigenous perspectives in practice, and Paige Johnson (University of Sydney) presented on codesigning with community.
- Public Libraries & Early Childhood Literacy, chaired by Dr Kasey Garrison (CSU), focused on the role of libraries in supporting children’s learning. Associate Professor Emilia Djonov (Macquarie University) explored artefacts in storytime, Stella Read (State Library of Queensland) presented on early years “brain building,” and Dr Ruth Campbell-Hicks (Binningup Public Library) discussed literacy support for 0–3 year olds.
- Public Library Workforce & ARC Discovery Project Launches, chaired by Dr Anita Dewi (CSU), closed the conference. The workforce panel featured Dr Jennifer Campbell-Meier (Victoria University of Wellington), Associate Professor Mary Carroll (CSU), and Nicole Hunt (Queensland Public Libraries Association). The event concluded with the launch of two ARC Discovery Projects: Professor Philip Hider (CSU) on public library services in rural Australia, and Professor Tina Du (CSU) on public libraries and social capital.
Across all six sessions, the conference showcased the creativity, resilience, and social impact of public libraries. The breadth of topics—from early literacy to Indigenous perspectives, from collections to workforce futures—reminds us of the essential role libraries play in community life.
Conference recordings are now available—a valuable resource for practitioners, researchers, and anyone interested in the future of public libraries.
