Launch of McKell Institute’s report into the changing role of libraries

18 November 2025

Last week, the McKell Institute released a major new report, More than books: Libraries on the Frontline – The Case for Greater Investment in Libraries and Their Staff.

Commissioned by the ASU SA + NT Branch, the report outlines the changing role of local libraries and the services they provide communities, and makes the case for a significant increase in funding by all levels of government.

The report was launched in Parliament House, with MPs from all major and minor parties attending. ASU Library members spoke in support of the report, and shared their own stories with Ministers and Members of Parliament.

What the report found

The McKell report highlights that libraries have undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Far from being simply places to borrow books, they have become essential community infrastructure, providing digital support, crisis response, social connection, safe spaces and access to services that have disappeared from many communities.

Key findings include:

  • Libraries are busier than ever, with nearly 10 million annual visits across SA and program participation soaring.
  • Families are increasingly reliant on library services as cost-of-living pressures grow. Free programs, safe spaces, Wi-Fi and digital access are now essential supports.
  • Libraries are on the frontline of digital inclusion, with 100% of surveyed library workers reporting increased demand for help with MyGov, welfare applications, banking, job seeking and other essential online tasks.
  • Libraries are filling major service gaps as banks, Centrelink offices, post offices and other essential services reduce face-to-face access—particularly in regional areas.
  • They are becoming climate refuges, with more than 60% of staff reporting increased patronage during heatwaves and extreme weather events.
  • Library workers’ roles have expanded significantly, yet most have not received the training or recognition needed to safely and sustainably meet these demands.

In short, libraries are carrying responsibilities far beyond their original scope, and they are doing so within funding models that have not kept pace.

What the report recommends

To ensure libraries remain sustainable, safe and effective for the communities they serve, the McKell Institute has made six key recommendations:

  1. The SA Government establish an independent review of library funding models
    To ensure equitable, long-term funding that reflects increased demand and cost shifting onto council budgets.
  2. The SA Government deliver an immediate one-off increase in State Government contributions
    As an interim measure, the report calls for the State Government to increase its current funding share of libraries from 15% to 20% to relieve pressure on councils and stabilise staffing.
  3. The SA Government introduce a Social Responsibility Levy
    Applied to businesses and government agencies that exit regional communities, directing funds to libraries that absorb the resulting service gaps.
  4. Local government invest in ongoing professional development and training for library staff
    Especially in digital support, crisis response, mental health first aid and domestic violence awareness, where demand is rising sharply.
  5. Fund libraries for their role in extreme weather events
    If governments continue directing community members to libraries during heatwaves, extreme storms and natural disasters, funding must reflect this responsibility.
  6. Expand the social worker-in-libraries model across SA
    Pilots in Salisbury and Adelaide show that embedded social workers reduce staff stress, improve patron outcomes and make libraries safer and more inclusive.

Why this matters for local government

Councils fund most library operations, and as community demand grows, the pressure on local government grows with it.

Library workers are deeply committed to their communities. As other services have withdrawn, they have stepped in to help people navigate essential online systems, support families facing cost-of-living pressures and offer safety and connection to those experiencing crisis. Their roles have expanded dramatically, yet the investment, staffing and training needed to sustain this work have not kept pace.

If we want libraries to continue functioning as vital community hubs, it is essential that we listen to workers’ calls for increased funding, greater support and appropriate training.

We encourage all local government workers to get involved, add your voice to the campaign, and talk with your colleagues about joining the ASU.