A Place for All: Social Capital at the Mount Barker Community Library, South Australia

Abstract

From April-November 2004 a social capital audit was undertaken of the joint use Mount Barker Community Library in South Australia. The strategic direction of this joint public/Tafe library includes social inclusion and building community partnerships, key themes of the social capital model. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used in the audit which revealed that although most users perceive the traditional role of the library, new roles have developed and are developing. The Mount Barker Community Library contributes significantly to the social capital of the community it serves. Edited and shortened version of chapter 4 of the author's MA thesis 'Public libraries as developers of social capital: changing roles, values and mission' University of South Australia 2004.