Public Libraries Connect

**What is Public Libraries Connect?** Public Libraries Connect is the go-to source of information for staff operating public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres in Queensland. Public Libraries Connect is the go-to source of information for staff of the 75 local governments and more than 320 public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs) across Queensland. One of State Library’s primary goals, as outlined in the [Libraries Act 1988](https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1988-029), is to promote the advancement and effective operation and coordination of public libraries of all descriptions throughout the state. This is achieved through statewide services that include: - the administration of State Government funding and State Government and private sector competitive grants to local government - research and advice on public library services, and advocacy - professional development programs - access to statewide collections - the provision of the [Queensland Public Library Standards and Guidelines](https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/managing-my-library/standards-and-guidelines) - an annual [Queensland Public Libraries Statistical Bulletin](https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/managing-my-library/statistics/queensland-public-libraries-statistical-bulletin) - an online [Directory of Queensland Public Libraries](https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/directory) By working together, we expand our capacity to deliver more services, reach broader audiences and leverage available resources to, ultimately, ensure all Queenslanders have access to a great public library service. This site provides information for Rural Libraries Queensland services, IKCs and small Independent libraries, including key material for the day-to-day operation of your library service. Public Libraries Connect provides access to: - detailed information and guides to your role as library or IKC administrator, library presentation, library membership, engaging with collections, and recommended library tasks - free professional development, including webinars, workshops, online training programs and more. - the [professional development calendar](https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/professional-development/professional-development-resources) for a schedule of current and upcoming learning opportunities and download [resources](https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/professional-development/professional-development-resources) from previous events - resources and ideas for joining and promoting [statewide programs](https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/programs-and-resources), sharing [collections](https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/managing-my-library/collections) with communities, planning [community engagement](https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/manage-library-or-ikc/planning/planning-programs-and-engagement), and more. You can also visit the [SLQ Wiki](https://wiki.slq.qld.gov.au/doku.php) for even more activities and guides. Keep up to date with these opportunities: - Reading the [Public Libraries Connect blog](https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/about/public-libraries-connect-blog). that has stories from colleagues across the state - Subscribe to the monthly [Public Libraries Connect newsletter](https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/connect-network/blog-discussions/public-libraries-connect-newsletter) for updates from the blog - Join a [discussion list or professional forum](https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/professional-development/networks) to delve deeper into specialist topics.