State Library of Western Australia

The State Government of Western Australia provides funding, via the State Library of Western Australia (SLWA), to support public library services in the State. Funds are provided to local governments on an annual basis via grant funding, based on an agreed allocation model.

Local governments in Tier 2 of the Public Library Services Framework are eligible to apply for an Encouraging Promising Practice grant of up to $5,000 (GST exempt) to fund library projects that address an identified community need and contribute to meeting local priorities.

A total of $120,000 is available between the Encouraging Promising Practice Grants (Tier 2) and the Technology and Digital Inclusion Grants (Tiers 2 and 3) in the 2022-23 financial year. Applications for the 2022-23 grants will close once all available funds have been awarded, or on 6 April 2023.

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis as they are received. Projects are required to be completed by June 30, 2023.

Purpose and Objectives

The Encouraging Promising Practice Grants are designed to enable local governments in Tier 2 to better respond to the priorities of their communities in providing a 21st century public library service.

The objective of the Encouraging Promising Grants is to:

· support projects and prototypes that extend the capacity of small regional public library services to enhance their communities through building literacy, learning and skill development and increasing access to and engagement with library services and materials.

Encouraging Promising Practice Grant proposals should address priorities identified in your Local Government’s Strategic Community Plan, and, if relevant, library plan/s.

Local Governments in Tier 2 may submit one (1) Encouraging Promising Practice Grant application annually to a maximum value of $5,000 (GST excluded) per grant.

The following provides broad funding categories and examples of projects that may be funded under the terms of the Encouraging Promising Practice Grant.

Customer Experience

New services or changes to existing services that improve access to the library (services and materials) for the community, e.g. outreach services such as a home delivery service or school membership drive, outreach services targeting non-library users, etc.

Furniture and equipment for a new or existing space/service, e.g. youth space, library of things (musical instruments cooking appliances, seed library, etc.).

Pop-up library at an event or shopping area to promote library membership and services.

Online library services such as podcasts, Story Time sessions, gaming tournaments, etc.

Life-Long Learning

Civic and community engagement programs, e.g. activities to engage people with local government decision making; immigration and citizenship activities, etc.

Information literacy activities that help people of any age to find, analyse and use information effectively, e.g. workshop to identify ‘fake news’, etc.

Activities that promote health and wellbeing activities, e.g. healthy aging programs, wellness classes; sustainability workshops, etc.

Projects that support early literacy and the Better Beginnings Program including school readiness programs to support families in reading, talking, singing, writing and playing with their young children, e.g. play, story and rhyme programs.

Reading activities that encourage children and young adults to build, retain and enhance their reading skills and develop a love of books and reading, e.g. book clubs, summer reading programs, etc.

Programs that increase adults’ confidence and enjoyment of reading, e.g. book clubs, reading groups, adult literacy programs, writers’ workshops, etc.

STEM programs to provide children and teens with hands-on experience, e.g. coding AI, robotics, forensics, etc.

Community, Culture and Heritage

Projects that enable local communities to participate in experiences that promote inclusivity, cohesion and celebrate cultural diversity and heritage, e.g. community or cultural memory projects such as digital storytelling, oral history programs, reminiscence groups, etc.

Digitisation of local history materials.

Economic Development

Programs and services that assist in workforce participation and development, e.g. upgrading job skills, job seeker programs, business planning workshops, career fairs, etc.

Note: Infrastructure (building) works, on-going operational costs, staff salaries and administrative costs, and the purchase of library materials for the general library collection are not eligible for funding. Projects and programs or services unrelated to the local government’s public library service are not eligible for funding.

Applications for Encouraging Promising Practice funding will be assessed by the Director: Library Services.

The Director: Library Services may call upon further subject expertise according to the nature of the application. Applicants may be asked to provide further information regarding the project if this is required to fairly assess the proposal.

Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

What will the project look like?

Applications should identify and/or demonstrate:

· What the Grant funding will be used for.

· Details of the project and what, specifically will be delivered.

· What library services will change as a result of the project.

Why is the project required?

Applications should demonstrate:

· Alignment with priorities identified in the Local Government’s Strategic Community Plan, and, if relevant, library plan/s.

· Ability of the project to fulfill the goals of the Encouraging Promising Practice grant

· The value and the relevance of the project/activity to meeting the needs of the community.

Who will benefit from and take part in the project?

Applications must demonstrate a benefit to the local community and should identify:

· The target audience for the project.

· The benefits and outcomes that the project will deliver to the target audience.

· Any groups or agencies that will collaborate/partner in delivering the project.

How will the project be delivered?

Applications must demonstrate:

· The feasibility of delivering the project within the budget, resources and timeframe identified in the application.

· Value for money – whether the project is sustainable and provides value for the funding invested.

Assessment will be based on the information provided in the local government’s application, including supporting material, e.g. project plan, confirmation of funding/support from other organisations, etc. SLWA reserves the right to negotiate with applicants in relation to project scope, budget items and costings.

At the completion of the project, Encouraging Promising Practice Grant applicants will be required to submit a Grant Acquittal.

The acquittals will not be considered complete until SLWA confirms that all required information has been received. Acquittals must be received by SLWA by 31 July 2023.

The State Government of Western Australia provides funding, via the State Library of Western Australia (SLWA), to support public library services in the State. Funds are provided to local governments on an annual basis via grant funding, based on an agreed allocation model.

Local governments in Tier 2 and Tier 3 of the Public Library Services Framework are eligible to apply for a Technology and Digital Inclusion grant of up to $5,000 (GST exempt) to fund library projects that address an identified community need and contribute to meeting local and state government priorities. A total of $120,000 is available between the Technology and Digital Inclusion Grants (Tier 2 and Tier 3) and the Encouraging Promising Practice Grants (Tier 2) the 2022-23 financial year. Applications for the 2022-23 grants will close once all available funds have been awarded, or on 6 April 2023.

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis as they are received. Projects are required to be completed by June 30, 2023.

Purpose and Objectives:

The Technology and Digital Inclusion Grants are designed to enable local governments in Tiers 2 and 3 to respond to digital disadvantage within their communities. Digital inclusion relies on being able to both access and effectively use information and services online.

The objective of Technology and Digital Inclusion Grants is to:

· provide free public access to technology that supports digital inclusion; and

· provide activities and services that build the capability of individuals and communities to confidently enjoy the benefits of digital technologies, information, and services in their day-to-day lives.

Technology and Digital Inclusion Grant proposals should address priorities identified in your Local Government’s Strategic Community Plan, and, if relevant, library plan/s.

Local Governments in Tier 2 or Tier 3 may submit one (1) Technology and Digital Inclusion Grant application annually to a maximum value of $5,000 (GST excluded) per grant.

The following provides broad funding categories and examples of projects that may be funded under the terms of the Technology and Digital inclusion Grant.

Technology hardware and software

Computers and equipment including PCs, mobile devices, etc.

Set-up costs for Internet access including wi-fi.

New and emerging technology that is out-of-reach of many families, e.g. 3D printers, large format scanners; design software; etc.

Hardware and software to provide digital hubs that provide free community access and support to using online government and business services and learning labs that connect customers with new and traditional media where they can build new skills for future employment and life opportunities.

Digital Inclusion Programs

Learning programs aimed at building skills and confidence in using technology and accessing on-line information and services, e.g. introductions to using computers; accessing online banking or eGovernment services, etc.

Programs to facilitate 21st century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, media and information literacy, e.g. coding, robotics, 3D design, image editing, web design, etc.

Note: Infrastructure (building) works, on-going operational costs, staff salaries and administrative costs, and the purchase of library materials for the general library collection are not eligible for funding. Projects and programs or services unrelated to the local government’s public library service are not eligible for funding.

Technology and Digital Inclusion Grants should be used to apply for information technology such as PCs, mobile devices (tablets), set-up costs for Wi-Fi or enhanced Internet access as well as digital inclusion projects, for example, digital media labs.

Assessment

Applications for Technology and Digital Inclusion funding will be assessed by the Director: Library Services.

The Director: Library Services may call upon further subject expertise according to the nature of the application. Applicants may be asked to provide further information regarding the project if this is required to fairly assess the proposal.

Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

What will the project look like?

Applications should identify and/or demonstrate:

· What the Grant funding will be used for.

· Details of the project and what, specifically will be delivered.

· What library services will change as a result of the project.

Why is the project required?

Applications should demonstrate:

· Alignment with priorities identified in the Local Government’s Strategic Community Plan, and, if relevant, library plan/s.

· Ability of the project to fulfill the goals of the Technology and Digital Inclusion grant

· The value and the relevance of the project/activity to meeting the needs of the community.

Who will benefit from and take part in the project?

Applications must demonstrate a benefit to the local community and should identify:

· The target audience for the project.

· The benefits and outcomes that the project will deliver to the target audience.

· Any groups or agencies that will collaborate/partner in delivering the project.

How will the project be delivered?

Applications must demonstrate:

· The feasibility of delivering the project within the budget, resources and timeframe identified in the application.

· Value for money – whether the project is sustainable and provides value for the funding invested.

Assessment will be based on the information provided in the local government’s application, including supporting material, e.g. project plan, confirmation of funding/support from other organisations, etc. SLWA reserves the right to negotiate with applicants in relation to project scope, budget items and costings.

At the completion of the project, Technology and Digital Inclusion Grant applicants will be required to submit a Grant Acquittal.

The acquittals will not be considered complete until SLWA confirms that all required information has been received. Acquittals must be received by SLWA by 31 July 2023.

TRAVEL GRANTS

Supporting professional development in regional and remote WA

The State Library of Western Australia (SLWA) provides travel grants to staff in local governments in regional and remote public libraries to support their professional development. These grants provide public library staff located in regional and remote WA with the opportunity to attend professional development opportunities in both metropolitan and regional WA by assisting with travel and accommodation costs.

Library staff interested in attending a professional development event who would like to be considered for a travel grant, should express interest in receiving funding and provide the following information:

· Estimate of transport costs

· Estimate of accommodation costs

· Statement outlining the benefits of attendance

Priority will be given to applicants who have not recently been funded to attend a professional development event.

Principles:

· Funding will be provided, based on actual costs of travel according to distance from the professional development event.  Final payment will be made for approved costs, or the actual costs should this be less than the approved cost.

· Funding for accommodation will be allocated based on the actual cost of accommodation. State Government travel guidelines require travel to be completed at an economical rate and will be used as a guide to reasonableness. Final payment will be made for approved costs, or the actual costs should this be less than the approved cost.

· Funding for flights will be allocated based on costs incurred for flights from the nearest centre. Final payment will be made for approved costs, or the actual costs should this be less than the approved cost.

· Funding for flights will only be available for centres located further than 400 kilometres from Perth, or by agreement on a case-by-case basis.

· Funding for travel by car will be calculated at the rate of 72c per kilometre (based on current ATO rates).

· Funding for taxi fares from the airport to accommodation and return will be allocated based on costs incurred. Final payment will be made for approved costs, or the actual costs should this be less than the approved cost.

· Taxi travel must be in a registered taxi. Payment will not be paid for travel in ride-sharing services such as Uber, Ola or any other vehicles for hire that do not hold taxi licences.

· Applications will be considered on an equitable basis state-wide.

· All other costs associated with attendance at the professional development event, including any registration fee, meals and sundry costs, must be met from alternative funding sources e.g., Local Government, Community Resource Centre, etc.

· Funding is not guaranteed and is dependent upon assessment and demand.

· Dependent on demand, applicants may be offered partial funding of travel and/or accommodation costs.

· Funding will be paid after the professional development event, following submission of a detailed invoice for reimbursement..

. Travel Grant funding does not include GST.

. Travel Grant funds will be paid to the applicant Local Government.

· Attendance by library staff who have not previously attended professional development events will be prioritised.

Assessment Process

All applications will be assessed by the Director: Library Services. Total travel grants awarded will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. All applications will be considered which include, as a minimum, the following:

· Estimated budget breakdown for travel expenses

· Previously awarded travel grants

· How your attendance will benefit your library service

Travel Arrangements

· Successful applicants are required to book their own travel arrangements, based on the estimates approved and as soon as possible after receiving confirmation that all or part of the travel and accommodation expenses will be met by State Library.

· SLWA will not be liable for any cost changes between the application and the time of booking.

Grant acquittal

Successful Travel Grant applicants will be required to submit an acquittal report and include copies of paid invoices following attendance at the nominated event. A Purchase Order Number will then be provided together with a request for a Tax Invoice for payment.

Final payment will be made for the approved cost or actual cost should this be less than the approved cost.

Payment

The travel grant will be paid following:

1. Attendance at the nominated event

2. Receipt of the completed acquittal form together with copies of paid invoices (A purchase order number will then be provided by SLWA)

3. Receipt of a Tax Invoice from the Local Government for the final approved funding amount by State Library

PDConnect GRANTS
Supporting professional development in regional and remote WA

The State Library of Western Australia (SLWA) provides grants to support local governments in regional and remote WA (across all three tiers) to host regional conferences and training that provides professional development opportunities for public library staff.

The PDConnect Grants are offered in recognition that public library professional development opportunities are more limited for staff working in regional and remote libraries and that travel to Perth to access opportunities is expensive and time consuming. The grants are intended to contribute to the costs for presenters to participate in regional conferences or training events.

Library Services in regional and remote Western Australia, interested in receiving a PDConnect Grant to contribute to the provision of a training or professional development event should submit an application providing the following information:

· Outline of the proposed PD event including details of focus area/topics, intended audience, facilitators/speakers.

· Estimate of speaker/facilitator costs including fees, travel, and accommodation.

· Statement outlining the benefits and outcomes that will be derived from the professional development event.

· The date of the professional development event (to be a minimum of eight weeks into the future).

· Details of how the event will be promoted and to whom.

Principles:

· Funding for facilitators and speakers’ fees will be allocated based on the estimated costs of the speaker/facilitator. Final payment will be made for approved costs, or the actual costs should this be less than the approved cost.

· Funding for accommodation for a speaker/facilitator will be allocated based on estimated costs. State Government travel guidelines require travel to be completed at an economical rate and will be used as a guide to reasonableness. Final payment will be made for approved costs, or the actual costs should this be less than the approved cost.

· Funding for flights will be allocated based on the estimated costs for flights from the nearest centre. Final payment will be made for approved costs, or the actual costs should this be less than the approved cost.

· Funding for flights will only be available for centres located further than 400 kilometres from Perth, or by agreement on a case-by-case basis.

· Funding for travel by car for a speaker will be calculated at the rate of 72c per kilometre (based on current ATO rates).

 · Taxi travel must be in a registered taxi. Payment will not be paid for travel in ride-sharing services such as Uber, Ola or any other vehicles for hire that do not hold taxi licences.

· Applications will be considered on an equitable basis state-wide.

· All other costs associated with the professional development event must be met from alternative funding sources e.g., Local Governments, Community Resource Centres, etc.

· Funding is not guaranteed and is dependent upon assessment and demand.

· Dependent on demand, applicants may be offered partial funding of speaker fees, travel and/or accommodation costs.

· Successful PDConnect Grant recipients may not pass on costs associated with a presenter funded by SLWA to attendees of a professional development event. This does not prevent recovery of other costs associated with hosting the event.

· PDConnect Grant funding does not include GST.

· PDConnect Grant funds will be paid to the applicant Local Government.

Assessment Process
All applications will be assessed by the Director: Library Services. PDConnect grants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis according to:

· The benefits and intended outcomes that will be derived from the professional development event.

· Details of regional and remote libraries to be invited to attend the professional development event and strategy for promotion of the event.

· Estimate of associated speaker costs (travel and accommodation).

Speaker Arrangements

· Successful applicants are required to make all necessary arrangements for the approved speaker, based on the approved estimates and as soon as possible after receiving confirmation that all or part of the requested expenses will be met by State Library

· SLWA will not be liable for any cost increases between the application and the time of booking.

Grant acquittal
Successful PDConnect Grant applicants will be required to submit an acquittal within one month following hosting of the event including copies of paid invoices.  A Purchase Order Number will then be provided with a request for a Tax Invoice for payment.

Final payment will be made for the approved cost or actual cost should this be less than the approved cost.

Payment
The PDConnect grant will be paid following:

· Hosting of the training or professional development event.

· Receipt of the completed acquittal form together with copies of paid invoices. (A purchase order number will then be provided by SLWA)

 · Receipt of a Tax Invoice from the Local Government for the final approved funding amount by State Library.

The State Government provides funding, via the State Library of Western Australia (SLWA), to support public library services in Western Australia. Funds are provided to local governments on an annual basis via funds, based on an agreed allocation model.
As part of the endorsed tiered model for public library services in Western Australia, local governments in Tier One may elect to apply for up to 20% of their Public Library allocation to be received as a Library Priority Allocation that may be spent on specific library projects other than library materials. Tier 1 local governments must spend a minimum of 80% of their total Public Library Allocation on the purchase of library materials through the State Library's centralised purchasing arrangement.
Applications to direct up to 20% of a local government’s Public Library Allocation to a Library Priority Allocation must be submitted to SLWA for approval, prior to project commencement.
Purpose and Objectives
The Library Priority Allocations are designed to enable local governments to better respond to the priorities of their communities in providing a 21st century public library service. The objectives of Library Priority Allocations are to:
· Strengthen the capacity of public libraries to better serve their local communities through programs that develop literacy, learning, skills, knowledge and creativity.
· Develop and promote opportunities to partner and collaborate with other libraries, business and community organisations to extend the reach of public library services.
· Promote community engagement and enable more relevant public library services for local communities.
· Raise the profile of libraries and their services within communities.
· Improve accessibility of library collections and materials.
· Advance outcomes-based planning and evaluation of public library services.
The following provides examples of activities and projects that demonstrate eligibility or ineligibility for funding under the terms of the Library Priority Allocation.
Note: Project management or administrative costs associated with a Library Priority Allocation project, the purchase of library materials, and programs or services unrelated to the local government’s public library service are not eligible for funding.
Investigation and/or implementation of new and/or emerging technologies.
Eligible: Installation of free public wi-fi, 3D printing; digitisation projects; equipment for digital inclusion programs such as technology hubs; STEM programs, etc.
Ineligible: On-going operational and administration costs, including annual software licence costs and on-going operational costs for existing or new technology.
Research projects and strategic planning relating to public library services and programs.
Eligible: Evaluation studies or return on investment investigations of a library service or program; community needs analysis or strategic planning relating to public library services.
Ineligible: Feasibility studies for proposed new libraries. Staff salaries incurred as part of the project.
Development and delivery of new or pilot services or programs.
Eligible: Employment of a consultant to develop and pilot a new program or service; purchase of equipment to establish a new service, etc.
Ineligible: On-going operational and administration costs for new or existing services; staff salaries incurred in project managing or developing the new program or service.
Start-up festivals and events.
Eligible: Engaging an event organiser or consultant to plan and deliver an inaugural writers festival; ideas festival; technology fair, purchase of equipment, venue hire, event promotion; printing, etc.
Ineligible: On-going costs in delivering new or existing festivals or events; staff salaries and administration costs.
Upgrading and/or extending a service space.
Eligible: Furniture and/or equipment for a digital innovation hub, youth space, small business space, etc.
Ineligible: Building infrastructure and maintenance costs, for example carpet, painting, etc.