Remote Working in Public Libraries: Supporting an Emerging Post-COVID User Group

The use of public libraries by remote workers has been little researched, either in Australia or elsewhere. The normalisation of remote work since the COVID pandemic, however, has opened up opportunities for libraries to cultivate this new and growing user group, as many people seek workplace options beyond those of home and corporate office. This study surveyed public libraries in New South Wales and Queensland (n = 97) to investigate the support they currently provide remote workers and how they view this emerging user group. Findings indicate that the level of support varies considerably across libraries, with 61% offering meeting rooms, 44% semi-enclosed spaces and 33% quiet areas. Most respondents agreed that accommodating remote workers enhanced their library’s role as a community hub and aligned with its mission to support community development. Associated challenges reported included those of conflicts with other users’ interests, and resource constraints. Eighty per cent of libraries reported growth in remote work use since COVID, with over 40% located in the major cities estimated to be used by 20 or more remote workers per week. Despite this, only 6% of all responding libraries were regularly promoting their spaces for remote work purposes.