The following are a list of consultants that have worked within the library sector over the years. Please contact the consultants directly for further advice.

 

I & J Management Services – Ian Phillips

I & J Management Services is a small consulting company based in Sunbury. Since 2001 we have worked with the public library sector on a wide range of national, state/territory and local projects. Our first-hand experience and research has given us a deep knowledge of the role of public libraries in building individual and community capacity, a thorough knowledge of the way public libraries work, and familiarity with PLV and SLV.

Our work includes:

  • Libraries Building Communities
  • Internet and PC Usage in Victorian Public Libraries
  • Reading and Literacy for All: Strategic Framework
  • Strategic plans, library service reviews and feasibility studies for 20+ library services across Australia (mainly in Victoria)
  • PLV Statistical Survey since 2013-14
  • Facilitation of SLV/PLV planning summits
  • National Public Library Guidelines, Standards and Outcome Measures

 Areas of expertise

  • Strategic and business planning
  • Survey design, development, administration and analysis
  • Statistical collection and analysis
  • Library review and evaluation
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Library sector research
  • Stakeholder consultation (e.g. staff, community, partners, Board/Council)

Contact Details

T: 03 9740 4222 or 0416 207 401

E: [email protected]

W: www.ijman.com.au

 


Murray Consulting and Training – Dr Jan Murray

MCT is a small company based in Victoria, operating throughout Australia and overseas. MCT’s Director Jan Murray has extensive practical experience in local government, state government and non-government sectors in both Australia and the United Kingdom providing a sound basis for her consultancy work. Jan is also an accredited trainer and has been involved in library education for more than 20 years.

Past clients include: National Library of Australia, Ministry of Education Sports and Culture Samoa, Library Board of Victoria, Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Law Library of Victoria, West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation and Chisholm Institute.

We conduct reviews and consultancies for libraries and information centres across all sectors. Areas of expertise include: Library management We conduct reviews and consultancies for libraries and information centres across all sectors. Areas of expertise include: Library management.

Areas of Expertise

  • MCT also designs and delivers training in the following areas:
  • Leadership
  • Human resources management
  • Workplace assessment and training
  • Customer service
  • Collection development
  • Team development
  • Library evaluation

 Contact Details:

T: 0419 509 076 or 03 9592 1465

E: [email protected]

W: www.mctjan.com

 


Mach2 Consulting – Mark McKenzie-McHarg

Mach 2 Consulting has a strong track record over the past 27 years working in business and strategic planning in the business, government and not-for-profit sectors. We have a strong appreciation and understanding of the public library and local government sectors. This includes working with councils, regional corporations and with other collaborative and shared services groups.

Through our recent work, we have an acute appreciation of the challenges faced by public libraries in an environment of vastly increased information portability in the digital era.

We have worked extensively in public library-related projects in Victoria and South Australia, including the Business Case for The Victorian Library proposal. We undertake strategic, business and financial planning for libraries. We also work in assessing operating and governance structures within the legislative parameters of you State/territory.

Areas of Expertise

  • Strategic and business planning
  • Financial analysis and reporting
  • Management and governance structures
  • Staff engagement
  • Benchmarking studies
  • Business case development/investment analysis
  • ICT strategy

Contact Details:

E: [email protected]

W: www.mach2consulting.com.au


K2 Planning Pty Ltd – Dr Kate Kerkin

K2 Planning is widely recognized as an industry leader in the planning and development of community infrastructure including libraries. We have worked with clients across inner Melbourne, growth areas and regional areas to develop models for community facilities that respond to the particular needs of local communities and the emerging interests of service providers. We are committed to working with our clients to ensure that the design and location of community facilities responds well to the required service model and emerging social needs in each area.

Areas of Expertise

K2 projects include:

  • Multipurpose facilities that support intergenerational programs and events
  • Models of early learning center’s that also accommodate services such as family counselling and legal aid
  • Planning for new library services and facilities to accommodate youth services and employment and language classes for newly arrived refugees.

Specific library projects include:

  • Preston Library Feasibility Study, Darebin City Council 2019
  • Bayside Library Services and Infrastructure Plan 2015
  • Docklands Community Infrastructure Needs Assessment (Providing an evidence base for the development of the Docklands Library) 2008

 

 

Contact Details

M: 0438 233 323

E: [email protected]

W: www.k2planning.com.au


Briarbird – Jonathan Roper

We plan websites so that others can build. We make websites more effective and engaging, and help organisations achieve their goals.

Our focus is on customers, content and technology.

We identify your needs and research your customers. We then work out the mix of content, services and technology required.

Our expert advisers will guide you from planning and research, through to procurement, build and launch.

Areas of Expertise

  • UX design and specification
  • User research, usability testing and evaluation
  • Business and user requirements specification
  • Functional and technical specification
  • Visual design and specification
  • Content strategy, design and specification
  • Project and stakeholder management

Contact Details

T: 03 8679 6499, 0418 510 062

E: [email protected]

W: www.briarbird.com


Kevin Hennah – Library Consultant and Public Speaker

With a focus on strategies to maximise productivity of space, improve presentation and maintain relevance, Kevin Hennah has carried out approximately 2,000 onsite consultations at libraries internationally.

He has delivered keynotes and workshops throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, The UAE, The USA and Canada.

Kevin’s understanding of the operational requirements of libraries is coupled with practical advice that is sensitive to budget restrictions and challenges traditional thinking. He has input into the design of dozens of new libraries internationally and regularly provides guidance on the coordination of self-managed makeovers.

Designing, refurbishing or looking for an injection of fresh ideas on a limited budget? Kevin has a wealth of ideas to share and is passionate about keeping libraries relevant.

Areas of Expertise

  • Guidance on best practice in library design and fit out
  • Innovative visual merchandising strategies for print
  • Collection-specific shelving solutions that are geared to maximising loans
  • Maximising productivity of space
  • Customised signage
  • Integration of technology
  • Seating solutions geared to current and emerging needs of public libraries
  • Contemporary solutions for display & promotion
  • Advice on décor and overall image

Contact Details

M: 0410 562 300

E: [email protected]

W: www.kevinhennah.com.au


Planning for Communities Pty Ltd – Michelle Read

Planning for Communities is a specialist consultancy practice with a proven track record of delivering quality planning services and advice. We pride ourselves on building collaborative working relationships with our clients and supporting informed decision making through our expert research, advice, and strategic support.

We enjoy the challenge of identifying how the social, infrastructure and wellbeing needs of communities can be most effectively met. We have extensive experience working with metropolitan, rural and regional communities and are attuned to the challenges facing different communities.

We assist clients to undertake critical planning projects through research and analysis, consultation and engagement, preparing business and strategic plans and funding strategies, and providing strategic advice.

Areas of Expertise

We have extensive experience in strategic planning for specific service areas including libraries, arts and culture, children, youth and families, recreation and leisure, and older adults.

We have delivered a range of strategic projects for libraries including a Library Strategy and Needs Analysis for Prahran Library for Stonnington City Council, Library Services Benchmarking for Mitchell Shire Council, a Literacy and Learning Plan for Bayside Libraries and a codesign process to expand the Libraries After Dark

We have undertaken a number of projects which look at service co-location and integration including libraries in a community hub setting. We have also assisted several councils to secure government funding for library development projects.

Contact Details

M: 0424 239 850

E: [email protected] or [email protected]

W: www.planningforcommunities.com.au


 

Future Tales – Karyn Siegmann Director

Strategy Creativity People

With more than twenty years’ experience in the library information, arts and culture sectors, Karyn’s breadth of experience encompasses strategic library, arts and culture program design, strategic planning, people management, staff training, customer service, administration, and data management within the local government environment.

Karyn is passionate about creating lifelong library customers by managing and adapting library services to meet the needs of customers of all ages, fostering positive social engagement through the development of library environments and providing innovative public programs. Experienced in Human Centred Design and Strategic Foresight processes Karyn can provide a unique insight into planning buildings, services and programs. Able to step into senior roles on short notice Karyn can adapt to new environments and lead staff in challenging times.

People who know Karyn value her special ability to relate warmly to people at all levels, easily generating trust and rapport amongst customers, Council elected members, staff and community.

 Areas of Expertise

  • Strategic planning
  • Building design
  • Leadership
  • Facilitating and MCing

Contact Details

M: 0419 363 557

E: [email protected]

 

 


Roger Henshaw Consultancy Services – Roger Henshaw

Established in 2006, Roger Henshaw Consultancy Services [RHCS] provides a broad range of library and cultural services consultancy, coaching and professional development services to local, state and federal government libraries. We understand the challenges libraries face and can help your library remain relevant and agile. Our professionally qualified and highly experienced consultants have many years’ experience across several library sectors and continuously monitor emerging trends in all aspects of service delivery and development. Our research is rigorous; our consultation, professional yet personal; and our reporting, comprehensive and thorough. RHCS provides creative and innovative solutions for all your management concerns, and by observing, reviewing and analysing your practices we can position your library for a more dynamic and relevant future.

Areas of Expertise

  • Strategic planning, coaching and consultancy
  • Scenario planning and building management and team agility
  • Organisational, Service and Infrastructure reviews
  • Staff, customer and community engagement and consultation – face-to-face and online
  • Survey / research project design, implementation and analysis
  • Cultural change management and facilitation
  • Training and coaching in strategic planning, service reviewing and marketing library services
  • Provision of specialist consultancy on all aspects of library service delivery and management

RHCS consultants are members of ALIA, LIANZA and ALA.

Contact Details

T: (02) 8091 1230, 0414 190 133

E: [email protected]

W: www.rhcs.com.au

Our three main consultants are:

 

 

 

 

 

Roger Henshaw (Principal Consultant); Victoria Anderson (Consultant); Steve O’Connor (Associate Consultant)


Libraries Alive! Pty Ltd – Directors Ian McCallum and Sherrey Quinn

Established in 1997 Libraries Alive! is arguably Australia’s most experienced library advisory company having successfully completed projects for libraries in all sectors across Australia, New Zealand and the US. Sherrey and Ian are both ALIA Fellows and committed to ALIA’s Objects and Values. Ian’s father was for many years the Central Highlands Regional Librarian in Ballarat.

Areas of expertise

  • Strategic and business plans involving the synthesis of demographic analysis with our knowledge of best practice developments in Australia and overseas
  • Planning and service specifications for new and refurbished library buildings
  • Benchmarking and performance reviews – we developed the original NSW and APLA/ALIA standards and guidelines for public libraries
  • Stakeholder and community consultation, including customer satisfaction surveys, meeting and focus group facilitation
  • Assessment of functional and financial value for library collections and services
  • Technology assessment, system selection and audit
  • Specialised training courses for reference and readers’ advisory staff
  • Editing and indexing books and reports

Contact details

T: 02 6257 9177

E: [email protected]

W: www.librariesalive.com.au

         

Ian McCallum (Director); Sherry Quinn (Director)


641 DI – Brendan Fitzgerald – Director

After extensive experience in senior positions at State Library of Victoria and not-for-profit Infoxchange, Brendan Fitzgerald established 641 DI in 2017.  Based in Melbourne, 641 DI has a global reach across government, not-for-profit, community and corporate agencies, working primarily with the library and cultural sector organisations across Australia and New Zealand.

At the State Library of Victoria, he headed up Vicnet, a government business where projects included the Libraries Online project, which connected all Victorian public libraries to the internet, developed collaborative digital purchasing models, and influenced social and digital inclusion policy and strategies across the Victorian public library sector.

As a Director at Infoxchange, Brendan was responsible for several national community-based programmes such as the Go Digi programme. He led the National Year of Digital Inclusion (2016), and oversaw the design thinking for the ‘Ask Izzy App’ for people who are homeless or at risk. These programmes aimed to improve Australians’ digital capability and were funded by major corporations such as Google, Australia Post, Microsoft and J.P Morgan.

Brendan sat on the inaugural expert advisory group of the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII). He was a board member of the Broadband for the Bush Alliance, as well as the National Relay Service (NRS), and was instrumental in establishing the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA).

641 DI as a member of Ending Loneliness Together and works to impact the issue of loneliness.

Services offered by 641 DI include, strategic planning, scenario planning, program evaluation, and research.  For Scenario Planning 641 DI works with UK based consultant Dr Matt Finch (Mechanical Dolphin) and other partners include Scotland based digital transformation specialist Murray Cook (AZBSelva), Sydney-based technology design company Thinkrum, and Andrew Hiskens Consulting in Melbourne.

641 DI has recently been engaged by Civica to deliver ‘The One Thing: a thought leadership project for Asia Pacific library sector”.

Current and recent clients include:

  • State Library of New South Wales – NSW Public Library response to Covid-19 & Scenario Planning Workshops (with Dr Matt Finch)
  • City of Newcastle (Australia) – 10-year Library Infrastructure Plan
  • Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (Victorian Government) – Evaluation of Youth IT Pilot for disadvantaged youth in Victoria
  • Southern Melbourne PCP
  • Alice Springs Town Council – Library and Community Learning Centre development
  • Port Augusta City Council – New Library development
  • Libraries Tasmania (includes Archives) – Strategic Planning
  • LIANZA – Library Association of New Zealand – Scenario Planning and GLAM sector Metrics Workshops (with Dr Matt Finch)
  • Swinburne Centre for Social Impact – Researcher disadvantaged communities
  • Kapiti Coast Council (NZ) – Scenario Planning Workshops (with Dr Matt Finch)
  • Palmerston North City Council (NZ) – Scenario Planning Workshops (with Dr Matt Finch)
  • Rangitīkei District Council (NZ) – Library Future Directions Plan
  • Hitnet – Indigenous IT & Health Information services across remote Australia and Solomon Islands. Digital Inclusion planning
  • Grow Hope Foundation- Indigenous education program in Northern Territory
  • Wanyara (https://www.wanyara.com.au/) – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education program – development of Online learning portal
  • Broadband for the Bush Alliance – Advocacy and strategy services

Contact details

E :  [email protected]

T : 0417 397 844