Creating the future digital library: embedding innovation & experimentation at SLV - Paula Bray

Paula Bray presents her keynote address at NDF25: Creating the future digital library - embedding innovation and experimentation at State Library Victoria

Abstract:
Libraries are essential civic spaces, offering free and open access to all. As audiences needs evolve through challenging times, such as the rapid adoption of advanced technologies and societal issues like the cost-of-living crisis—libraries have never been more critical to the communities they serve. How can libraries position themselves as dynamic physical hubs while embracing a future increasingly defined by digital innovation?

At State Library Victoria, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in both online and onsite engagement, with the majority of our audience now under 35- they expect a certain level of user-experience. To meet the expectations of our increasingly tech-savvy demographic, we are embedding digital at the core of our services, ensuring a seamless and responsive user experience that provides reliable access to information and knowledge anytime, anywhere.

This presentation will introduce the newly formed Digital Directorate at State Library Victoria and share insights into the ambitious strategy and Digital Experience Plan. You’ll get a sneak peek into key initiatives and learn how innovation, experimentation, processes, empowered teams, and publishing practices are driving the success for digital transformation, while staying true to the mission of accessibility and community connection.

About Paula
Paula Bray has over twenty years' experience working in cultural heritage institutions, including the State Library of NSW, Powerhouse Museum, Art Gallery of NSW, and the Australian National Maritime Museum. She is currently the Chief Digital Officer at State Library Victoria where she is leading the Library’s digital future through compelling digital experiences that place the visitor at the heart.

Innovation and experimentation have been at the core of Paula’s work. She set up Australia’s first dedicated innovation lab in a cultural heritage organisation, the DX Lab at the State Library of NSW. She developed an award-winning team that experimented with technology to build new ways to get access to the collection and its data, both online and onsite. She co-published ‘Open A GLAM Lab’ with 16 peers from the International GLAM, (Galleries, Libraries, Archives & Museums) Labs community, highlighting the benefits of working in an experimental practice.

#ndf #digitalculture
www.ndf.org.nz