Collier Ward councillor Garry Scates, outgoing Eastern Regional Libraries CEO John Binnion, Chandler Ward councillor Ben Smith and incoming Eastern Regional Libraries CEO Joseph Cullen are looking forward to the next chapter of ERL’s development.By Shaun Inguanzo
DOWNLOADING audio books from home and borrowing visual aids are services on the horizon for local libraries.
Eastern Regional Libraries (ERL) announced last week that current South Gippsland Shire CEO Joseph Cullen would be taking the place of outgoing ERL CEO of 25 years John Binnion, in December this year.
ERL is responsible for overseeing the administration of libraries throughout the Shire of Yarra Ranges, the City of Knox, and the City of Maroondah.
Mr Binnion said he will cherish the knowledge that despite challenges over his years as CEO, ERL was in a ‘financially sound position’.
Mr Cullen said at a conference last week that he would be looking at taking the libraries’ impressive and popular Internet component one step further when he takes the reins as ERL CEO in December.
According to Mr Cullen, this could include members having access to ‘talking books’ in a digital format for download, making the library experience more convenient.
Mr Cullen added that for people attending the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind for reading aids, rather than their local library, ERL might consider having similar equipment available for its visually impaired members.
But Mr Cullen, along with Mr Binnion, stopped short of claiming a technological revolution was underway.
Mr Binnion said, “The book revolutionised society, but the Internet, not yet; it will when its penetration is greater.”
Mr Cullen said he would aim to drive the organisation to a more customerfocused position, making the library as accessible as possible, both physically and digitally.
Chandler Ward councillor Ben Smith thanked Mr Binnion’s for his commitment to ERL, and Mr Binnion said he would now have more time to dedicate to collecting plants.
