A report [pdf, 325k] on Public Library usage for 2005/06 has recently become available (or at least I received a recent notification). The 35 page report is a straightforward read covering the work of public libraries across the country:

“Access to services is provided through a network of 1,522 public library service points (1,439 fixed point libraries and 83 mobile libraries) throughout Australia, one service point for every 13,537 persons.”

There was a total of 178,740,362 items loaned, or 8.7 per capita; reported information enquiries numbered 10,194,879; and 48% of the population is a registered member of a public library. There’s a total of 6,456 public access Internet terminals and public libraries employ 8,107 staff (FTE).

Older reports can be found on the National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA) site.