Public Library Policy Examples

The Libraries Act sets out a governance structure that enables the public library boards to communicate and effectively manage a public library service. The library community in conjunction with the province identified certain areas of policy that are required by any library board to enable them to manage, cooperate and network with other boards both in the province and anywhere in the world. There are 10 areas of policy that any library board must have in place according to the legislation and library communities.

Policies are living documents that can change depending on circumstance and community. Boards regularly review and update their policies. They must comply with all legislation that encompass them.

Examples of individual policies are available both on this website and from Public Library Services Branch. These are representative policies written and developed by library boards and staff.

  1. Confidentiality of user records
  2. Orientation and continuing education of board and staff
  3. Finance
  4. Personnel
  5. Selection
  6. Resource Sharing
  7. Provision for those unable to use conventional print
  8. Provision for library resources to be lent
  9. Hours of service
  10. Terms and conditions for use of public meeting space

Examples of library board policy manuals:

Other Policies/Agreements

Other areas of agreement and policy, such as school housed public library agreements and acceptable use policies are required when boards provide these services.

  1. Public and School Joint Facility Agreement
  2. Acceptable Use (internet)
  3. Policy on Policy Making
  4. Statement Of Intellectual Freedom
  5. Wireless Internet Policy

Library Bylaws

According to the Libraries Act and the Business Incorporations Act library boards must have bylaws for the safety and use of library facilities.

  1. Library Bylaws: Questions to Ask
  2. Sample Library Board Bylaw

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP)

This legislation requires library boards to have:

  1. FOIP Bylaw
  2. Record retention policy
  3. Personal Information Bank (PIB) policy

Contact:  Patricia.McNamee@gov.ab.ca or 780-427-4871