Libraries rebadged as such for $250k

AFTER seven years and $250,000 the state’s Learning and Information Network Centres have been turned back into libraries.

The product of a brief mania for renaming Education Department services during the Bartlett government, libraries became the Community Knowledge Network, then LINCs: names that now join the branding “Polytechnics” and the “Tasmanian Academy” in the dustbin of history.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff unveiled the new/old name in a ceremony at the State Library yesterday morning, saying the new brand “says what it is”.

“The Tasmanian Government knows there is no better foundation for Tasmania’s future than in education, which is why we are making our libraries more accessible and better connected to our community.

“In its first step under the new name, Libraries Tasmania is launching a public awareness campaign to highlight the breadth of programs and services on offer.

“We are also investing an additional $3 million dollars in contemporary resources, and will update the library collection in a variety of formats including online and digital resources, and of course books.”

The cost for signage and promotion involved in the renaming will be $250,000.

Director of Libraries Tasmania Liz Jack said the change would make it easier for people.

“I am absolutely thrilled that we’re now able to call ourselves Libraries Tasmania,” she said.

“It’s actually to convey to people what we do. We undertook a survey ... about 18 months ago and what the people of Tasmania were telling us was that they didn’t know half the services that we offer.”