New digital access partnership with Selwyn Libraries

Christchurch City Libraries have partnered with Selwyn Libraries to operate a shared digital collection for a two-year trial period.

From 1 July, library members in Christchurch and Selwyn will have access to an increased range of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines available through the new service, which uses the Libby app. 

The service will be named AWA, after the network of rivers and streams that flow through the Canterbury landscape.

“We felt it appropriate to name our shared digital platform AWA, drawing on the symbolism held within our rivers and waterways. The idea is one of flowing between places and people, streaming and growing,” says Acting Head of Libraries and Information Rosie Levi.

“We anticipate this arrangement will give library users across both networks greater choice due to a richer variety of content, particularly new and popular items."

Ms Levi says the partnership makes good sense, given the close boundaries between the two local authorities, where many residents live in Selwyn and work in Christchurch City and vice versa.

“Currently, children and young people aged 0-18 years in the Selwyn District can register for a Christchurch City Libraries card to access our physical collections through the Gammack Trust.

“The digital initiative builds on the existing foundation of this arrangement, and we hope it will foster and strengthen relationships between the two organisations,” she says.

“The costs are within existing budgets, and the new service delivers better value for money through a growth in the user base and in expected collection turnover.”

Over the trial period both Selwyn and Christchurch will conduct regular monitoring of data and usage with a review of the collaboration taking place prior to June 2027. 

Ms Levi says she’s hopeful the two-year trial will prove successful and lead to other opportunities for collaboration.