Australians have been able to access extensive collections and services through public libraries. The role of these libraries has expanded in the past decade through significant digital services and literacy projects. Public library funding and support has been fragmented and Australians access to service has very much depended on where they happen to live.

This paper will review the value of public libraries to their community and the state of public libraries in 2008. It will outline critical issues including access to information through schools and the lack of a policy context for national development. Strategies taken by national, state and public libraries such as Electronic Resources Australia, Ask
now the collaborative digital reference service and collection access services such as Libraries Australia will be presented in terms of their impact on making library collections and expertise available to Australians.

Discussion will include the work of organisations such as ALIA, PLA, FOLA, ALGA and state public library associations, collaboration in developing the plan for a national summit and steps that can be taken to develop a national strategy. It will highlight key issues for the nation in access to information and services through public libraries to
national policy issues.