Welcome to the library: supporting literacy development in adult learners [slides]

Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference 2018, 30 July - 2 August 2018 Gold Coast: Roar Leap Dare
 
This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) accompanied the talk on the important role of public libraries in developing adult literacy skills in the community. 
 
Melton City Libraries and Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services have worked in partnership to develop a unique adult literacy reader and teacher resource, ‘Welcome to the Library’. This innovative resource is designed to improve perceptions of libraries, reduce barriers to access, and improve literacy skills.
 
Victorian public libraries are working strategically to address adult literacy.  In Australia, 14% of adults (almost 2.4 million Australians) have low-level literacy skills, and within City of Melton this is 16.9%.  Following the development of a strategic framework ‘Reading and literacy for all’, State Library Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria Network developed an Adult Literacy Innovation Grants program. Melton City Libraries received a grant in 2017 to deliver this project.
 
‘Welcome to the library’ is an adult reader, video and teacher resource designed for providers of Language, Literacy and Numeracy education to use in partnership with the local library.  The reader aims to raise awareness of libraries and the services they provide, whilst the teacher resource offers a range of learning opportunities for literacy and EAL (English Additional Language) students. Combined with visits to the library, it supports the learner to be introduced and engaged in a library experience.