26th October 2026
Helping regional libraries do more through shared services
The challenge for regional WA public libraries
For many regional libraries, delivering modern library services with limited budgets and small teams is an ongoing challenge. There are also issues of ageing technology, increasing administrative workloads and limited access to wider collections.
The Regional WA Library Consortium (RWALC) was established to address this challenge, bringing libraries together through a shared integrated library system (ILS) powered by Civica Spydus.
The library consortium gives its 43 members across 28 local governments access to a leading library resource sharing platform trusted by libraries around the world, without the cost and complexity of managing it independently. It also creates a collaborative network where libraries share knowledge, support one another and continually improve services for their communities.
This case study explores how Civica Spydus, a leading integrated library management system, has helped Krissy Hindley at Esperance Public Library and Chloe Jones at Murray Library deliver benefits that go well beyond the technology itself.
Esperance Public Library: A smooth transition to shared library services
Esperance Public Library had used Amlib for almost 26 years before learning the system would no longer be supported. Krissy, then a Library Technician, project managed the migration to Spydus.
The Shire already used Civica systems elsewhere, giving the IT team confidence in the move. Joining the consortium also made financial sense, allowing Esperance to share costs and resources with other regional libraries.
One of the biggest advantages of using Civica’s library resource sharing platform was having experienced local support.
"Having local support from the Albany team is great," Krissy said, "If an issue comes up, I can call the Albany team directly and generally get an answer pretty quickly."
Preparing for migration was a well thought-through process. Around 18,000 locally acquired items had no ISBNs and needed to be identified before data could be transferred. The library closed for a day while staff from across the organisation worked together to scan the collection using every available computer and laptop.
The Albany team also provided hands-on support during go-live, helping staff build confidence in the new system.
Looking back, Krissy doesn't miss the old system.
"We used to joke that working with Amlib was kind of like working with a digital brick."
One of the biggest day-to-day improvements has been reporting. Instead of manually compiling monthly reports, they're now generated automatically.
"I really appreciate those monthly reports, not having to draw them manually. That's saving me quite a large chunk of time every month."
Having since moved into a management role within the consortium, Krissy now encourages other Amlib libraries considering the change.
Murray Library: Wider access with one library card
Murray Library joined the consortium in 2020, having already adopted Spydus in 2015. According to Senior Library Officer Chloe Jones, the system was chosen for its user-friendly interface, affordability and ability to grow with the library.
However, for Chloe, the real value of joining the consortium was the large array of benefits membership unlocks.
"The one library card system means you have access to all the libraries in the consortium. It's flexible for patrons and provides much greater access to collections."
That shared access became even more valuable after the government funded regional library courier service ended. Inter-library loans can now be managed directly through the library consortium without separate requests.
"You don't have to do a separate request through Rapido or anything like that. It's so easy - it literally comes up as part of the allocations."
Like Krissy, Chloe also thinks the Albany-based support team has been invaluable.
"The tech help we get from Albany is above and beyond amazing. They basically advise you what to do when you're not sure."
She also values the collaborative culture the consortium has created.
"You can be a bit freer with your questions and not feel like any question is a dumb question.
You don't feel alone, especially as a regional library."
That support has helped Murray launch new services, including a successful book club kit collection, for a better patron experience.
"No one in the consortium had ever done that before, but they figured it out for me and helped me do it. Now we've got about 65 book club sets."
Key outcomes for regional libraries
- RWALC connects 43 member libraries across 28 local governments through a shared Civica Spydus platform.
- Automated monthly reporting gives Esperance Public Library more time to focus on community services.
- One library card gives patrons access to collections across the consortium.
- Shared expertise has helped Murray Library introduce new services, including a collection of around 65 book club sets.
A shared system and a supportive community
For Esperance and Murray Libraries, joining the Regional WA Library Consortium has delivered far more than a new library management system. It has created a shared service and support network that helps regional libraries improve access, reduce administration and introduce new services.
As more libraries join RWALC, patrons gain access to a broader collection, while teams can continue to rely on knowledgeable local support. As Krissy puts it: “It’s not just a shared system. It’s a community that’s here to help each other succeed.”
Are you ready to modernise your library services?