Library acknowledged as cybersafety leader in WA

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the Telstra Foundation have officially recognised the City of Wanneroo Library Service as an eSmart library service, equipped to support its customers to use technology in a smart, safe and responsible way.

eSmart Libraries is one of the most significant community cybersafety programs ever undertaken in Australia, with over fifty percent of all libraries in Australia currently involved in the program.

“We are incredibly proud to be the first library service in Western Australia to receive this accreditation and hope it will allow us to continue to provide an excellent library service to our community in the future," City of Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said.

“Cybersafety is an essential part of modern life and we believe this accreditation will be of great benefit to our residents.

“This has been the culmination of hard work by our library staff to integrate cybersafety in our daily operations, staff development and organisational culture and we are very excited to see this hard work come to fruition.”

Ms Lesley Podesta, CEO of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation said this achievement was a significant milestone in the Foundation’s journey towards creating an eSmart Australia, where all Australians are safe, smart and responsible online.

“Being eSmart means knowing how to guard against security and privacy risks online, download content in a legal and ethical way, research and reference information, and manage reputation and relationships in cyberspace,” she said. “The City of Wanneroo Library Services’ continuous dedication and enthusiasm for the eSmart program shows that local communities are as committed to promoting cybersafety as we are.”

Telstra Foundation's General Manager Jackie Coates said Telstra was thrilled to celebrate Western Australia's first eSmart Library.

"We know that libraries play a vital role in bridging the digital divide. They connect communities to the online world and help reach out to some of the most disadvantaged members of our society," she said.

By making the online library experience safer for everyone, eSmart Libraries will give more Australians the opportunity to experience the social and economic benefits of new digital technologies.