North Melbourne Library

Type (public, special, law): Public

Open to the public: Absolutely

Opening hours: Mon: 10am-6pm, Tues:  10am-8pm; Wed: 1pm-8pm; Thur: 1pm-6pm;  Fri: 1pm-6pm; Sat 10am-4pm; Sun: 2pm-5pm

Number of staff: 7 permanent plus casuals and other rotating staff

Describe your collection

The collection includes: adult and junior non-fiction, adult, children’s and young adult non-fiction, graphic novels and Manga split between young adults and mature readers, large print, magazines, talking books, the ability to access online databases for free with a library barcode number, access to YourTutor when that program service begins in 2008, and most specially an in-depth local history collection housed upstairs with links to Picture Victoria online, micro-fiche and documents for research. LOTE has a strong presence at this branch with an emphasis on Vietnamese and Chinese languages. 

What technologies do you use?

There will be a new ILMS installed across Melbourne Library Service in 2008 which will enhance user and staff catalogue experiences ten-fold because at this stage we use an ancient version of Dynix. Access to the library website is available at www.citylibrary.org.au with developments to come in the next few months of the youth space which will provide a more interactive, user-generated content and library support system for young people.

What’s unique about your collection?

Most unique about the collection at this library is the extensive range of Local History material available for anyone interested in the history of Melbourne, genealogy or other historical research involving the local community. There are documents on micro-fiche, photos available through Picture Australia, original and copied documents at hand, items to borrow and items on reserve. There is also strong support for the LOTE collection as well.

Who are your clients/patrons?

Users of this library come from various backgrounds including those residents from commission housing, workers in the area, students from the local high schools, retirees, those people who utilize the Home Loan Service, and what can be defined as socially marginal or at risk patrons. There are a large number of young people who use this library as well as parents with young ones who visit as it is a more residential location versus somewhere like the City Library.

 Do you have archival material?

Yes, as per the Local History Collection discussed above.

How do your clients/customers use your library and what services do you provide?

As this branch is smaller in size and is more of a residential library, patrons use this library as a one stop shop for their literary needs, a place to gather on the weekends as the opening hours draw large numbers of people and their children, a community hub which provides support for homework through a Homework Help Club, WOT (a junior book group), and it has meeting spaces for community groups to meet or for programs and events organized by the library. There is also a regular story-time which draws a number of children and their carers, ‘Babies and Book’ sessions, and holiday happenings throughout the year both literary and culturally diverse for all ages. 

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