Over January/February 2024, LIANZA sent out a member survey to seek feedback on several areas. The survey focused on feedback on our progress in meeting the objectives of our 2023-2026 strategic plan, our communications, our professional development opportunities, and how LIANZA can better support regional and special interest communities. This is a summary of the findings.
Strategic objectives
- Responses were generally positive on the progress being made by LIANZA against the strategic objectives scoring an average 7 out of 10 rating on progress. This is an excellent rating when we are six months into a three-year plan.
- Members felt that they were already too busy in their day jobs to be further involved in LIANZA in a voluntary capacity. Others commented that for low-income, part-time library staff, the membership fees were too much.
Professional development
- 59% of respondents said they would still attend LIANZA PD events if there were a small cost for members and a larger cost for non-members. However, respondents want these to be available to everyone in the sector.
- There are clear themes to focus on for professional development in this feedback. Some of these themes are already planned to be provided by SIGs.
- Areas that respondents were most interested in professional development and webinars were:
- What does the library of the future look like – a look at new technologies, library trends and emerging practices. A particular focus on AI.
- Supporting Mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our library and information services.
- Showcasing the value of libraries.
- Next level management, budgets and strategic planning
- Managing differing opinions and difficult library users, what are the behaviours acceptable in a public library.
Communications
- There was a high confidence rating given for LIANZA communications received over 2023 with an average rate of 8 out of 10.
- Respondents were very positive about LIANZA’s current communications overall, finding them engaging, relevant, clear, and well-written and having thoughtful content.
- There were a number of comments about there being too many communications channels to monitor, with a number of comments about the website(s) needing to be streamlined and refreshed and concern about the lack of use of LIANZA Connect. Te Rau Ora Library Life was favoured.
- 62% supported producing four issues of Te Rau Ora Library Life a year instead of six.
- 54% of respondents had not used the LIANZA Connect platform.
- 85% of respondents said the frequency of LIANZA’s communications was about right.
- There is clear feedback that the sector feels ‘information overload’. Hence, focusing on fewer channels, more concise and considered communications. Joined-up comms across the sector may be useful to help engagement.
Special interest and regional community support
- Responses suggest that LIANZA should review how LIANZA communities are supported.
- Members would benefit from better communication on how people can get involved with the various communities and special interest groups.
- There was overwhelming support for LIANZA-organised roadshow events in regions, with 86% in favour.
