The State Library of New South Wales will be undertaking a year-long pilot with two NSW public libraries to learn how libraries can best deliver local content to communities.

The pilot libraries will use an eContent management platform to provide library users with access to local publications including digitised local history material as well as purchased eBook titles. The aims are to test the platform and to work with community authors and independent and mid-list publishers - including open access publishers -  to explore ways of making locally important content more readily available to readers.

The industry standard platform will enable the libraries to smoothly integrate eBook content into their catalogues and will provide a seamless experience for library members by replicating the current library print check-out model. 

The hope is that the eContent management platform will give communities a greater diversity of local content and connect writers with their audiences.  

On completion of the pilot an evaluation will be conducted to guide future thinking about improving access to Australian writing and historical materials.

If you would like to know further details about the local eContent Management Platform Pilot please contact the project coordinator Ross Balharrie, ross.balharrie@sl.nsw.gov.au or 02 9273 1498