A Creative Framework for Building Inclusive Library Services
Community-Centred Design is a structured yet flexible framework designed to empower Australian public library staff to move beyond traditional community consultation and engage in true co-design. It provides a comprehensive process for creating services, programs, and technology solutions with diverse community members, not just for them.
This framework ensures every new library initiative is relevant, respectful, and genuinely meets the needs of our multicultural communities. By combining compassionate inquiry with creative reframing, grounded in the public service ethos of libraries, we transform service providers into community partners.
- Deep Listening (Empathy + Reframing): Active, empathetic inquiry combined with artistic observation to understand unspoken needs and cultural contexts
- Creative Ideation (Ideate + Divergence): Breaking free from traditional models using creative, non-linear brainstorming techniques
- Low-Fidelity Storytelling (Prototype + Tangibility): Making ideas tangible through simple, human-centred prototypes that transcend language barriers
What is the lived experience of our community?
- Listening posts and informal interviews
- Cultural asset mapping sessions
- Guided community walks
What is the real challenge we need to solve?
- Synthesizing insights into Point of View statements
- Collaborative reframing into "How Might We..." questions
- Dot-voting to select critical challenges
What are all the possible ways we could address this challenge?
- High-energy, inclusive brainstorming sessions
- Visual toolkits and inspiration cards
- Clustering and theming ideas
How can we make our best idea tangible and easy to understand?
- Six-panel storyboards
- Paper prototypes
- Role-playing service interactions
How can we test our solution in the real world?
- Community feedback sessions
- Minimum Viable Pilot planning
- Success metrics and implementation roadmaps
- New to the framework? Start with the Framework Overview
- Ready to run a workshop? Check out our Workshop Guides
- Need templates? Browse our Resources section
See our Digital Literacy Workshop Blueprint for a complete example of how to apply the framework in practice.
Community-Centred Design is purpose-built for public libraries because it:
- Builds Trust: Demonstrates genuine commitment to understanding CALD communities
- Reduces Risk: Validates services before significant investment
- Fosters Ownership: Creates community advocates for new services
- Unlocks Funding: Produces evidence-based stories for grant applications
We welcome contributions to improve this framework! Please see our Contributing Guidelines for details.
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
For questions or support with implementing this framework, please open an issue.
Empowering libraries to create truly inclusive services through community-centred design.