The Public Libraries Evaluation Network (PLEN) is a nation-wide data collection initiative designed to help libraries better understand and illustrate their value.
Delivered by Culture Counts, the project has completed its fifth year with 38 participating libraries collecting 8,100 survey responses across 5 states in Australia.
Overview
Libraries participating in the network use the Culture Counts Evaluation Platform to gather extensive feedback on their facilities, services and experiences. Over 38,000 survey responses have been captured since the project started in 2019, with standardised survey templates collecting consistent evidence about the value of the sector as a whole. Network members can deeply interrogate their data through the project’s dynamic, filterable big data dashboard, across a range of insight areas including:
- Library Outcomes
- ALIA/APLA Outcomes Alignment
- ILFA Learning/Social Outcomes
- Library Awareness
- Library Use
- Outcomes by Demographics
- Open Text Analysis
The use of agreed outcome indicators provides strong evidence of the impact of libraries, beyond visitor numbers and lending statistics. Libraries in the network measure the value that they add to the communities’ wellbeing, across areas including literacy and lifelong learning, digital inclusion, community engagement, economic and workforce development, and personal development and wellbeing.
Highlights
Culture Counts has created this Annual Report, an Online Insights Report that provides a snapshot of the aggregate impact results from survey responses collected by network members throughout 2023-2024. The report includes year on year analysis, showing how results have changed over the four years of the project.
Key achievements include:
- Safe: 93% of respondents agree that the library makes them feel safe and welcome (same from 22-23)
- Relevance: 71% of respondents agree that the library is changing in ways to increase its relevance for them (2% increase from 22-23)
- Skills: 64% of respondents agree that the library has helped them learn and gain new skills (1% increase from 22-23)
- Usage: 3% increase in use of facilities/services at the library
- Confidence: 1% increase in confidence about the job search process and establishing a new business
As the project continues, Culture Counts will continue to document and share valuable case studies with the network, helping members to implement change to generate greater impact for their communities. We encourage libraries from all parts of Australia to join the network and help to grow the database, insights and learning opportunities.
Join the network
The Public Libraries Evaluation Network can help you better facilitate the planning and delivery of your programs and services. PLEN combines the Culture Counts Evaluation Platform, our outcomes-based framework and a reporting dashboard. Contact our friendly Client Team to find out how you can get involved or download your free Library Evaluation Guide to get started.
