The Evolving Role of Libraries w Linda Tyler: 1 May 2023

This month, Auckland Council's Governing Body is considering whether to accept a report that recommends delaying planning for a new Central Library because the project does not have sufficient cost/benefit at this time. Instead it recommends continuing with the current much-loved library for the short to medium term. Satisfaction levels from users sit at around 95% and feedback from Waitemata residents in the Annual Budget consultation put maintaining library services and hours at the top of their priorities along with community and arts and cultural facilities and programmes. Dr Alex Bonham spoke to Associate Professor Linda Tyler, the convenor of Museums and Cultural Heritage of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Auckland about the evolving role of libraries and cultural institutions.