We loved your feedback
Big thanks to the 350+ people who completed our recent brand survey. The stories, opinions and ideas shared enlightened and delighted us and are now informing the rebrand of your libraries.
Due to legislative changes, Goldfields Libraries Corporation is transitioning to a not-for-profit structure and can no longer be known as a corporation.
There will be no disruptions to the services, programs or locations you know and love, but the change is initiating a new name and logo to better unite and represent our nine branches and seven agencies across four shires.
Through three months of community and staff consultation we learnt our strength is our network.
We learnt most people were enthusiastic about the brand change, and many had great ideas to inspire us.
We also learnt…
Our libraries are seen as safe, welcoming and trusted. They’re important spaces for inclusion and belonging. Our members have strong emotional connections to their local branches, and value the breadth of services and programs available.
“It’s very hard to capture what libraries do in one word,” said one respondent.
Yes, it is!
We heard…
“I think libraries are the future for us all, a hub of possibility.”
“Libraries are one of the few places you can visit and just exist in without needing to have money. They’re an amazing resource to any community.”
“I value the non-judgmental space and inclusive nature of the staff. There’s a lovely sense of community and helpfulness. The interlibrary loan system works super well and I use it often.”
“As a homeschool family, access to a wide range of books is critical. I love that I can order things online as the kids become interested in new topics.”
“It’s freedom from advertising.”
What did staff say?
“We welcome everyone and we don’t expect anything in return.”
“There are spaces to work, study, connect and learn. The library is not just a place to be shushed and check out a book. It is a place to be yourself.”
“We do an amazing job of offering inclusive resources, services and programs that empower people from all walks of life and supports their health and wellbeing — socially, financially and creatively.”
Creative responses to consider
While some respondents advocated for a bright colour palette, just as many requested earthy, natural tones. Many asked for our central Victorian landscape to be considered.
A significant number requested a move away from the ye olde term of ‘Goldfields’ towards a more inclusive descriptor. And no one was wedded to the current mysterious box icon….
“I’m unsure why it is a box.”
“What does it actually mean? Am I missing some hidden symbolic message?”
“I mean I don’t ‘dislike’ it, but a snazzy new logo mightn’t be too bad?”
Not long now…
Stay tuned as we work to translate the myriad feedback we received into something ‘snazzy’.
Rebranding timeline
1
January 2026
Rebranding working group formed, communications support engaged and preliminary workshops held to determine project scope and direction.
2
March 2026
Staff take part in an in-person rebranding workshop and online survey. Comparable regional library and community service brands are researched and audited.
3
April 2026
Community takes part in an online survey to determine how they feel about the libraries, the current branding and what changes they would like to see.
4
May 2026
Workshop and survey results are collated and used to inform decisions about new name and brand.
5
Winter 2026
Goldfields Libraries to test, refine and then choose new name and logo.
6
Spring 2026
Name and logo to be launched to community.
7
The following 12 months
Name and logo to be rolled out across branches and agencies, resources, publications, website, social media and more.
2020
Changes to Victorian Government law meant library corporations needed to choose an alternative business structure within 10 years to continue operating independently.
2021- 2023
We undertook sector consultation and explored case studies of our options.
2023-2024
Legal services were enlisted to support the transition, including development of a business model, risk assessments, legal documents and related due diligence.
Community, Board and Member Council consultation took place.
2024-2025
Proposed model was endorsed by Board and Member Councils and a new constitution was drafted.
2025-2026
New constitution was endorsed by Board and Member Councils.
New not-for-profit company was registered.
July 2026
Expected transition to new company and governance structure.