The vital contribution of public libraries to social capital and to the educational and economic development of communities is recognised across the developed world. Support for this role has underpinned the commitment of Local and State governments in New South Wales to high quality public library services. Libraries can be fully effective for their communities only if they have the right combination of proficient staff, up-to-date information resources, reliable equipment and telecommunications, and well-planned buildings.

Library buildings represent a major investment by local authorities. In order to promote planning techniques and practical guidelines Heather Nesbitt and Bligh Voller Nield were commissioned to research and prepare what became the first edition of People places in 2000. Since then, the principles of People places have been applied to scores of library building projects across New South Wales. Other Australian States have found the publication useful and it has also attracted some international attention as a helpful planning guide. Special recognition was given to People places when it was awarded a Commendation by the Royal Australia Institute, New South Wales, in the category ‘Plan Making and Strategies by State or Federal Governments’.