MEETING OF COUNCIL - Town of Cambridge

COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2012
The usage of PC and mobile phones as e- Readers has decreased as they are too
cumbersome compared to the iPad and Kindle, where responses have increased. The
Amazon Kindle has become the e-reader of choice due its design and the vast number of
titles accessible through Amazon. Unfortunately, there are constraints with each e-reader
type. The Kindle can only access Amazon purchased titles. West Australian libraries have
recently taken out a consortia purchase through SLWA for the Overdrive downloadable e-
books. At present, only e-book readers other than Kindle can access this free service,
however, this problem is approaching resolution in the United States so it to be hoped the
situation will also be resolved in Australia. The Barnes and Noble Nook tablet is more
expensive but has twice the storage of the Kindle. Although each device has limitations,
Amazon sales for e-books are now higher than the hard cover books. Cambridge Library is
considering developing an IT "petting zoo" and introductory classes to assist people to weigh
up the advantages and disadvantages when choosing a device that meets their needs.
The focus area also sought feedback on whether people used the DVD and music CD
collections and, if so, whether they also download movies and music online. 63% responded
they use these collections and 32% download movies and music online. This indicates that
people are changing the way in which they access movies and CDs and is a consideration
when deciding to what extent the various loan collections continue to be supported or
expanded.
Additional Comments
Although the survey questions provided much quantitative and qualitative information,
perhaps the open "Any other comments" at the end of the questionnaire provided the most
insightful information of what members think of the Cambridge Library service. A list of
comments is provided as Attachment 2.
POLICY/STATUTORY IMPLICATIONS:
There are no Policy or Statutory Implications related to this report.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The biennial survey was conducted in house with costs absorbed within the normal
operating budget.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION:
The Cambridge Library Biennial Customer survey is consistent with the Town's 2009-2020
Strategic plan key priority areas of Delivering our Services and Capacity to Deliver.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION:
In accordance with Policy number 1.2.11 the community has been consulted through the
Cambridge Library Biennial Customer Survey.
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