Central Highlands Libraries Mobile Library Service

Physical Characteristics of a Mobile Library Vehicle

Consideration should be given to the following:◦Length of Vehicle◦Vehicle turning circle◦Height of chassis above ground◦Engine power and braking system in

relation to surface conditions, steepness of hills, width of roads, sharpness of corners

Local ProvisionMaximum daily distance should not

exceed 200kmsNo more than 5 stops per dayAn average of one hours driving to one

hours service delivery is optimal, less is better

Ideally the ratio should be 5 stops per day with an output of 50 issues per hour and an operating staff of one driver to one library officer.

(IFLA Mobile Library Guidelines 2010)

Which Vehicle?Choice of Vehicle should take into

account:◦Cost◦Local Availability◦Terrain/Road Conditions◦Stock Capacity◦Anticipated Usage◦IT requirements

Vehicle Types

There are four mobile library/outreach vehicle types

◦Van◦Truck◦Bus/Coach◦Semi- Trailer/articulated

Mobile Library VanSmallest mobile library typeEasy to manoeuvre and driveSpecialist licence not requiredGood for nursing homes, housebound

deliveries and specialist use incorporating other Council services

Use of awnings at the side of the building may allow for some extension activities

Effective for communities up to 1500 residents and less.

Mobile Library Van

Truck Type Mobile LibraryEffective vehicles in a wide range

of situationsUsually between 8.5 to 11 metres

longBook capacity of 2500 – 4000

volumes depending on weightAvailable in various drive and

axle combinations appropriate to terrain

Lower licensing requirements for drivers

Truck Type Mobile Library

Bus/Coach Type Mobile Library

Good for general purpose mobile library service

Generally approximately 10 metres longBook capacity of 3,000 to 4,500 volumesBus chassis is very lowAllows for large spacious area inside

vehicleSuitable for townships up to 5,000Limited turning space

Bus/Coach Type Mobile Library

Semi-Trailer Type Mobile Library

Length may be in excess of 15 metres with a capacity of 5,000 volumes or more

Interior allows for a wide range of resources to be effectively displayed

Allows for extension activities and enhanced features such as internet PCs

Suitable for townships with populations up to 7,500

Size and weight preclude use on narrow or twisting roads

Low structures or overhanging branches can be a hazard

Semi Trailer Type Mobile Library

Further Consideration Consider assigning mobile costs on a usage basis The mobile collection should be based on a per

capita Mobile services should only be made available to

communities outside the 25km catchment area of static libraries

It is reasonable for patrons to travel 20 to 30 minutes to access a library

Library service points should be located not further than 35 km from permanent communities with a resident population of 250

Where communities are more than 35km from a static library a mobile library service point should be created

Further ConsiderationMobile library service points should be limited

to approximately 20A minimum of 15 kms should be maintained

between mobile library sites.Sites should be selected to serve the general

community rather than specific such as schools or nursing homes (an outreach van could accommodate sites such as nursing homes)

Minimum patronage standards should be maintained to justify provision of service – i.e. 50 transactions and 10 patrons per hour open.

ReferencesAustralian Library and Information

Association. Beyond a Quality Service: Standards and Guidelines for Australian Public Libraries. 2011

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. Mobile Library Guidelines. 2010

Liddle, J. Taking services into the future: a manual for country library services. 2003