Saturday, July 5, 2014

32: Public Library Hand Book

इस ब्लॉग्स को सृजन करने में आप सभी से सादर सुझाव आमंत्रित हैं , कृपया अपने सुझाव और प्रविष्टियाँ प्रेषित करे , इसका संपूर्ण कार्य क्षेत्र विश्व ज्ञान समुदाय हैं , जो सभी प्रतियोगियों के कॅरिअर निर्माण महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान देगा ,आप अपने सुझाव इस मेल पत्ते पर भेज सकते हैं - chandrashekhar.malav@yahoo.com

32: Public Library Hand Book   


1.0 Introduction

A handbook is a kind of compilation or a compendium of instructions which brings together comprehensively the latest information in a particular field of knowledge. It covers a field of limited scope or a mission. The presentation is brief and full of tables, graphs, symbols, formulas, equations and various other constants. It is normally consulted by experts and practitioners of the field. In library parlance, such works are called ‘Library Handbook.’ The contents of the ‘Handbook’ are so thoughtfully organized that they leave little room for doubts. A typical ‘Library Handbook’ will have the following features:

2.0 About Us

This information will be made available by the institute who will be assigned to undertake the work of compiling the ‘Library Handbook’.


3.0 Vision, Mission and Goals Statement

A public library has to have a thoughtfully designed and developed ‘vision, mission and goals statement.’  It will be ideal if these statements are drafted for a particular year in view so that at the end of year their purposeful evaluation is done and new ‘vision, mission and goals statements’ are worked out for the next year. Below are given the mission, vision and goals statement of Oak Park Public Library which may serve as basis for other public libraries with little variations here and there to have their own set of vision, mission and goals statement.

Mission 

Oak Park Public Library enhances the quality of life in our diverse community by providing the resources and services for lifelong learning and enjoyment, the space and opportunities to gather and connect, and by fostering a love of reading.

Vision

We embrace the rich heritage and vibrant future of our community. We aspire to be the best possible library for Oak Park. We are committed to excellent services and stewardship of the physical and financial assets entrusted to the library. We create opportunities to participate, connect and discover by:
  • Encouraging lifelong learning;
  • Responding to the needs of our diverse community;
  • Ensuring freedom of access to information;
  • Offering space for people and ideas to come together; and
  • Providing materials and programs that entertain and inspire.

Strategic Plan

Goal 1: We continuously evaluate and change our physical spaces to meet changing needs; we ensure they are customer friendly, easy to use and green.

Goal 2: We design and deliver services and programs at our physical and virtual locations in anticipation of and in response to the diverse needs of individuals and the community at large.

Goal 3: We are a leader in making Oak Park a digitally inclusive community by collaborating with stakeholders to design and deliver needed services.

Goal 4: We provide a balanced, multi-format collection to meet the needs of our community and are open and ready to adopt new formats.  Our collections are administered, managed and made accessible to support customer use. Our technical infrastructure is robust and able to support all formats.

Goal 5: We inspire and support individual and community creativity with our expertise, resources and technology.

Goal 6: We provide leadership to and collaborate with libraries, library organizations and other groups on a local, regional, state and national level to create innovative services, maximize resources and achieve economies of scale.

Goal 7: We safeguard and celebrate our community’s rich heritage by providing robust physical and virtual access to local history and special collections. We will digitize existing content and collaborate with others to create new content in order to increase awareness and understanding of Oak Park’s history.

Goal 8: We provide library users with the opportunities to learn new skills through hand-on use, classes, and in other innovative ways.

Goal 9: We achieve organizational excellence because we are agile and innovative in how we deliver services; we support staff learning and want our library to be a great place to work; we are excited about the possibilities and opportunities that the future holds for us.

Goal 10: We practice sound, sustainable financial planning and management and we are dedicated to making our library the best it can be.”

4.0 Building Layout / Floor Plan

For the benefit of visitors and new members of the library a floor-wise layout plan of the library building should be drawn and included in the Library Handbook. It should be self explanatory and clearly indicate the location/placement of the various library departments/sections and service units such as the following with proper signage:
  • Foyer/Reception /Notice Board
  • Readers’ Property Counter
  • Entrance and Exit
  • Director’s/Librarian’s Office
  • Committee Room
  • Circulation Section
  •  
    • Membership Counter
    • No Due Certificate
    • Check in/Return Counter
    • Check out/Issue Counter
    • Conscience Box
    • Reserved books
    • Issue Record Trays
    • Inter Library Loan
    • Just Returned Books
  • Reference Desk/Help Desk
  • Library Card Catalogue
  •  
    •  Classified Catalogue
    • Dictionary Catalogue
  • OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue)
  • Research Section
  • Technical Section
  •  
    • Book Selection
    • Book Order
    • Accessioning
    • Classification
    • Cataloguing
    • Subject cataloguing
    • Label pasting/stamping/completion work
    • Book Display
  • Maintenance section
  •  
    • General Reading Room
    • Shelf List Maintenance
    • Allocation of stacks according to subjects with proper placards /signage
    • Arrangement of books on shelves
    • Reference Sequence
    • Non-book Materials
    • Textbook Sequence
    • Closed Sequence-Manuscript/Rare book collection
    • Legal deposit
    • Repair/Bindery
  • Periodicals Section
  •  
    • Registration
    • Display- Reading Room
    • Newspaper Reading Room
    • Making Sets for Binding
  • Photocopy Service
  • Children’s Section
  • Braille Section
  • Extension Service
  •  
    • Prison Library
    • Hospital Library
    • Play Room for children accompanying their parents 
  • Mobile Library Department
  • Legal cell
  • Theatre
  • Hobby Section
  • Auditorium/Lecture Hall
  • Canteen/Refreshments
  • Drinking water
  • Public Utilities
  • Parking

5.0 Working Days/Library Timings

Mention here the number of working days and public holidays such as 26th January, 15th August- Independence Day, 2nd October – Gandhi Jayanti, etc.
Library opening hours too should be explicitly mentioned. If the Library observes different time schedule during winter, examination days and summer that should be indicated in the Library Handbook.


6.0 Library Membership/Circulation Policy

For obtaining membership of the Library apply in the prescribed form available from the Reception Desk.  In Delhi Public Library this application form is available for Rs.2.
Submit the duly filled in and signed Membership Form along with necessary documents/security amount to get the membership of the Library. Regional Library of Delhi Public Library situated at Sarojini Nagar takes just half an hour to grant the membership if the application is accompanied with desired documents.
For verification of residential address details some public libraries take about a week’s time for granting library membership.

7.0 Library Collection/ Sequences/E-Resources

Library has acquired books and non-book material in English and other languages spoken and read in the region for the use by bonafide members. Besides general collection which is available for home loan, library maintains Text-Book collection, Local History Collection, Oral History Collection, Book Bank Collection, Reference Collection, Rare Book Collection, Legal deposit collection, etc. Books marked RR/Reference/Rare are available for consultation only. In addition to print collection, Library has a sizable collection of CDs, DVDs, tapes, microfilms, microfiche which can be had for viewing in or outside the library as per rules of the Library. A number of e-books and e-journals are also available for bonafide members.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

8.0 Reference Collection

Reference collection of the Library comprises almanacs,  atlases, abstracts, bibliographies ,biographical dictionaries, dictionaries, encyclopedias, gazetteers, handbooks, indices, manuals, quotations, travel guides, union catalogues, who’s who, who was who, yearbooks, etc.  In addition books marked ‘Closed Sequence’ and ‘Rare’ are also available for consultation within the library premises.


9.0 Periodicals Collection

Library subscribes to/receives gratis periodicals in English and other languages spoken and read in the region. It should be noted that these periodicals are to be read in the Reading Room of the Periodicals Section. They are not to be taken to any other Section of the Library.

10. Rare Collection

This collection is the part of our heritage and is to be handled with utmost care. Some of the documents of this collection have been digitized for use of the members. You may contact the Reference Librarian to know more about these. 


11. Non Book Material

CDs, DVDs, Microfilms, Micro Cards, Microfiche etc need special reading/viewing devices. Please get in touch with Reference Librarian to make use of these.


12. Reading Room/Research Cubicles

Reading Room facilities are available for reading library material. Use of personal books in the library reading room is not permitted. After reading the books they are to be left on the table itself for keeping proper statistics and shelving by the library personnel.  Members are requested not to take these books back to the stacks for shelving. Research cubicles being limited in number are allotted on first come first served basis.


13. Services Provided

Following services are provided by the Library 
•   Compilation of bibliographies;
•   Providing documentation services; 
•   Translation of periodical articles on demand;
•   Organization of Information Literacy Programmes;
•   Providing reference and referral service;
•   Providing OPAC assistance;
•   Arranges users orientation programmes;
•   Conduction of hobby classes;
•   Directs theatrical presentations
•   Providing photocopy services (note: materials obtained from the library are copyrighted. Unauthorised use and/or multiplication are prohibited. Photocopying of limited pages for personal use is available on charges  as per rates decided by the library authorities)

14. Library Catalogue

Library Catalogue is the ‘Key’ to the Library holdings. It lets you know about the availability of a book in the library whose ‘author, title or subject’ is known. Authors are entered under their surname followed by their fore name(s).  Please note down the Call Number of the book correctly and go to the respective  stack to find the document needed or else contact the Library staff on the floor  to assist you in locating the document of your choice.


15. OPAC

OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) is the interface between the resources of the library and the user. It fulfills the information retrieval requirements of the user. It has options from simple search to advance search.  It facilitates:
  • Simple search (with fixed combinations of common fields)
  • Boolean search (with natural language nomenclature but with AND, OR operators to join the fields)
  • Advanced Boolean (with combination of using Boolean operators between any of the field tags from MARC records)

16. Circulation/Inter Library Loan

In order to get the books on loan the member has to present the book(s) along with his/her Library Identity Card and the Borrower card(s) at the Circulation Counter. The borrower should satisfy him/herself about the physical condition of the book before getting the same issued. Library has reservation facility for books already issued to other members. In case the needed document is not available in the Library, it may be procured on Inter-Library Loan for the borrower, but it will have to be used within the Library premises only. 


17. Internet Browsing

Since the number of Internet ‘work stations’ is limited, one has to book its use in advance for a limited period. This facility can be used for e-mail, browsing and finding articles from various databases.


18. Readers Suggestions

Readers’ suggestions are most welcome. Members are advised to drop their suggestions for the purchase of new book(s) with full bibliographic details in the box provided for along with their own contact details.


19. Library Rules

• Application for the Membership of the Library is to be made on the prescribed form obtainable from the Reception Desk of the Library
• Keep the Library informed of any change in your contact number/residence address
• Always carry  your Library Identity Card whenever visiting the library and show the same to the library personnel when so asked
• Your Library Borrower cards are not transferable.  Keep them in safe custody
• Book issued to you is not to be sub-lent to others
• Text-book will be issued only on the 1st Borrower’s card 
• Journals (bound and  loose issues) and reference books are not issued out
• Always return the book(s) on due date. You may get the same reissued if the same is not in demand/reserved by any other member
• In case of late return of books overdue charges so calculated will have to be dropped in the “Conscience Box’. No formal receipt will be issued for the overdue charges dropped in the ‘Conscience Box’. In exceptional case the overdue charges may be reduced or waived off altogether by the competent authority
• Do not damage the book while in your possession. If any damage is discovered at the time of returning the book, it may require you to replace the book by new copy/latest copy or pay the price of the damaged book
• CDs, DVDs, LPRs, music cassettes, Braille materials  are to be handled carefully 
• Report immediately  the loss of library property-- book(s), Identity Card, borrower card, etc
• Do not damage /disfigure/tear/fold the pages of the book issued to you
• While withdrawing membership, surrender your Library Identity Card/Borrower card(s) and obtain a Clearance Certificate/No due slip• Entry to the Library is permitted on showing the valid Library Identity Card only
• Maintain decorum in the Library complex• Entire Library is no smoking zone
• Eatables and beverages are not allowed in the Library stacks/reading rooms. Food/tea , etc are to be consumed within the canteen• Observe complete silence while in Library
• Personal belongings such as bags, books, umbrella, etc.  are not to be taken inside the Library. These have to be deposited at the Readers property Counter and a token taken in lieu of the property deposited.  
• Money and Valuables, etc.  are not to be deposited at the Property Counter. Library will not be responsible for any  such loss
• Readers have to collect their property back  the same day while leaving the Library
• Mobile phones are to be put on silence/vibration mode inside the library. Calls can’t be made or received  inside the Library


20. Classification Scheme

There are a number of classification schemes in use in different Public Libraries. Majority of Public Libraries use Dewey Decimal Classification with little modifications in subject schedules. A broad outline of the classification scheme is given here under to make you understand the mapping of universe of subjects: 

000 Computer science, knowledge & systems   
010 Bibliographies                                                         
020 Library & information sciences                         
030 Encyclopedias & books of facts                        
040 [Unassigned]                                                            
050 Magazines, journals & serials                            
060 Associations, organizations & museums      
070 News media, journalism & publishing          
080 Quotations                                                                
090 Manuscripts & rare books                                   
100 Philosophy                                                                
110 Metaphysics                                                             
120 Epistemology                                                           
130 Parapsychology & occultism                              
140 Philosophical schools of thought                    
150 Psychology                                                                
160 Philosophical logic                                                 
170 Ethics                                                                           
180 Ancient, medieval & eastern philosophy    
190 Modern western philosophy                             
200 Religion                                                                      
210 Philosophy & theory of religion                       
220 The Bible                                                                    
230 Christianity                                                                               
240 Christian practice & observance                      
250 Christian pastoral practice & religious orders
260 Christian organization, social work & worship
270 History of Christianity                                          
280 Christian denominations                                    
290 Other religions                                                        
300 Social sciences, sociology & anthropology  
310 Statistics                                                                     
320 Political science                                                      
330 Economics                                                                 
340 Law                                                                               
350 Public administration & military science
360 Social problems & social services                    
370 Education                                                                   
380 Commerce, communications & transportation
390 Customs, etiquette & folklore                          
 400 Language                                                                    
410 Linguistics                                                                  
420 English & Old English languages                      
430 German & related languages                             
440 French & related languages                                               
450 Italian, Romanian & related languages         
460 Spanish, Portuguese, Galician                          
470 Latin & Italic languages                                        
480 Classical & modern Greek languages             
490 Other languages
500 Science
510 Mathematics            
520 Astronomy
530 Physics
540 Chemistry
550 Earth sciences & geology
560 Fossils & prehistoric life
570 Biology
580 Plants (Botany)
590 Animals (Zoology)
600 Technology
610 Medicine & health
620 Engineering
630 Agriculture
640 Home & family management
650 Management & public relations
660 Chemical engineering
670 Manufacturing
680 Manufacture for specific uses
690 Construction of buildings
700 Arts
710 Area planning & landscape architecture
720 Architecture
730 Sculpture, ceramics & metalwork
740 Graphic arts & decorative arts
750 Painting
760 Printmaking & prints
770 Photography, computer art, film, video
780 Music
790 Sports, games & entertainment
800 Literature, rhetoric & criticism
810 American literature in English
820 English & Old English literatures
830 German & related literatures
840 French & related literatures
850 Italian, Romanian & related literatures
860 Spanish, Portuguese, Galician literatures
870 Latin & Italic literatures
880 Classical & modern Greek literatures
890 Other literatures
 900 History
910 Geography & travel               
920 Biography & genealogy
930 History of ancient world (to ca. 499)
940 History of Europe
950 History of Asia
960 History of Africa
970 History of North America
980 History of South America
990 History of other areas


31: Public Library Scenario in Canada

इस ब्लॉग्स को सृजन करने में आप सभी से सादर सुझाव आमंत्रित हैं , कृपया अपने सुझाव और प्रविष्टियाँ प्रेषित करे , इसका संपूर्ण कार्य क्षेत्र विश्व ज्ञान समुदाय हैं , जो सभी प्रतियोगियों के कॅरिअर निर्माण महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान देगा ,आप अपने सुझाव इस मेल पत्ते पर भेज सकते हैं - chandrashekhar.malav@yahoo.com


31: Public Library Scenario in Canada

1. Objectives


After reading this module, you will be able to:

l  Trace the early development of public libraries in Canada.
l   Enumerate the scenario of public libraries in provinces and territories of Canada.
l  Discuss the role library associations in the promotion of public libraries in Canada.
l  Explain the Management of Public Libraries in the Canada.
l  Understand the challenges before public libraries in Canada.

2. Introduction

Public libraries are the outcome of modernization. As democratic values spread across the world and democracy strengthened, people centric developmental activities have taken precedence. As idea of equality gains ground, this has come to growing realization that equal access to information and knowledge is of crucial importance without any discrimination based on colour, creed, property, or gender. Besides providing universal access to sources of knowledge, education was conceived as a continuous process not limited to the span of formal education. Earlier formal education was limited to the formative age of people and it catered only to privileged sections of society. As learning was accepted as a continuous and never-ending process, so public libraries were construed as the place for learning and development. Canada being an advanced nation and society, state and local authorities there paid due attention for establishing and funding libraries. Before the advent of ICT era the public libraries were the main source of getting all types of information.

3. Early Developments :

In Canada the beginning of the public library system can be traced as back as to 1779, when Governor Fredrick Haldimand established a library in Quebec city. This library was the first  subscription library. This Haldimand’s library was merged with the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec. Some small libraries associated with religious institutions, rich and powerful families were there by that time but the concept of general  public libraries had not taken place. The concept of free public libraries came in to existence later and membership were given without consideration of class or religion. In Canada the first such public library was founded in 1796 in Montreal. Many libraries were established in 1800 like at King’s College, Nova Scotia and Niagara.

Canada is thinly populated by diverse peoples  across the vast spread of the country. Its provinces and territories have distinct demographic, cultural and economic charecteristics.The development of public libraries has been slow as a result of the vast spread and diversity of the country.

. Provincial and Territorial Public Libraries : a scenario

Public libraries of Canada’s ten provinces and three terriotories are  governed by a library act. Main funding sources are provincial governments, territorial governments and municipalities. Some municipalities levy a special library tax  (Wilson, Virginia). Most of the libraries are having library boards. Board members may comprise of representatives of government, voluntreers etc. Library boards are responsible for library planning whereas routine works are carried out by library staff. There  public library services are provided free of cost to the community members.

Types of Public Libraries : There are vaious types of libraries working in Canada, such as : public libraries, municipal libraries, library systems, regional libraries, community libraries and local libraries. In Canada, each province and territory has specific public library structure, funding pattern, governance system. Most of the  public libraries are governed by respective provincial public library act or terriotorial public library act.

4.1 Provincial Libraries

There are 10 provinces in Canada, namely : British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland/labrador. Following are brief introductions of the library systems in these provinces.

4.1.1. British Columbia (BC)

In this province, the library act  has six  parts : Introductory provisions, Municipal Libraries, Regional Library Districts, Public Library Associations, General and Transitional Provisions. British Columbia Library Act has five types of libraries, namely :Municipal Libraries, regional libraries districts, public libraries associations, integreted public library systems, and federated public library systems. The provincial government  provides per capita grants to  the public library systems as per municipal contribution. The grant  depends on municipal contribution.

A list of 71 public (local) libraries can be accessed at (>www.bclibraries.ca/home/<). Each local library has its own website and provides information about its collection and services. in 2004 a programme was launched with the slogan “Libraries Without Walls : The World Within Your Reach”. For implementing this goal an additional $12 million investment was made.The program incorporated :
  • Broadband access to each community;
  • Access to online journals;
  • Establish a one card system to provincewide; and
  • A virtual reference desk.(www.bclibraries.ca/home/site_files/library_strategic_plan.pdf)

In 1891, first library was established in BC. Now there are 243 public libraries in BC and 16 million items  are available in these public libraries.

4.1.2 Alberta

Alberta Public Libraries Act was passed in March 15, 1907.  This Act celebrated 100 years in March 2007. Under this Act, libraries may charge annual fee from users.There are Municipal Libraries, Community Libraries, Library Systems and Federations. Library Boards  receive community development grants and flat grants.The Government of Alberta provides grants to municipal and  library system boards. Alberta Municipal Affairs allocated $31 mullion to help the provincial public library network in 2013-14.(>www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca<). According to “Directory of Alberta Public Libraries, July 2013” (>www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/lcvss/website_final_reduced.pdf<accessed on November, 3, 2013), there are 7 library system boards and 225 municipal and intermunicipal library boards.These boards operate 317 public library service points in the province.

4.1.3 Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan public libraries are established and controlled by the  Public Libraries Acts   and Libraries Cooperation Act. There are local libraries, regional library systems, the Northern Library System.There is a provision for a provincial funding pool. Public libraries receive funding from levies paid by municipalities and grants from the provincial government.There are ten public library systems. All these 10 public library systems and the provincial library system are the members of SILS Consortium(Saskatchewan Information and Library Services Consortium). It provides a platform to collaborate on joints projects and purchases in the province (>www.education.gov.sk.ca/FAQs<).

4.1.4 Manitoba

The Public Library Act provides a legal framework for libraries in the Manitoba Province. The Public Library Services ensure that all Manitobans should have access to the public library services(>www.gov.mb.ca/che/pls/<). There are municipal libraries, regional libraries and federations.There is a provision of matching provincial per capita grants.

4.1.5 Ontario

Ontario Public Libraries Act provides a legal framework to ensure free and equitable access to public libraries in Ontario province (>www.mtc.govon.ca/en/libraries/legislation.shtml<).There are public libraries, union libraries and country libraries.There are provisions for provincial operating grants, municipal grants and first nation library grants. Public Library Act empowers the municipalities to establish public library boards. Public libraries are governed by these public library boards.

In 1983, Ontario’s first free public library was established in  the cities of Toronto and Guelph. Over 5 millions Ontarions  (means nearly 40 per cent of population), hold a public library card. It is notable that, between 1903-1922, 111 Ontarion libraries were established  with the financial help of  American businessman  and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.(>www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/library/libraries.shtml<).

Toronto Public Library

This public library is the largest public library system in Canada and was   opened at Toronto, Ontario in Canada. City aldermen John Hallam was the person who campaigned for this library. James Bain was the first Chief Librarian, who took initiatives to collect a wide collection of Canadian history, culture and literature books. Carnegie grants helped in building construction. More than 18.5 million people visit this library every year. It has 98 branches with 11 million items. (>www.torontopubliclibrary.ca<) and  (>en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Public-Library>)

4.1.6 Quebec

There is no legislation in this province. There is no public library boards and trustees. Major libraries of Quebec province are : Bibliotheque de Laval, Grande Bibliotheque, Grande Bibliotheque du Quebec, Institute Canadian de Quebec, Longueuil Public libraries Network, Montreal Public Libraries Network.

4.1.7 New Brunswick

New Brunswick Public Libraries Act  regulates the library activities in province. There is  provision of 70% provincial funding and 30 % municipal funding. Public library services are regulated by the New Brunswick Public Library Act. New Brunswick Public Library Service (NBPLS) is responsible for management and public library services in New Brunswick. NBPLS has a provincial office and  5 Regional offices.  NBPLS provides  various services with the help of   63 public libraries and 3 bookmobiles.(>www.gnb.ca0003/who.asp<)

4.1.8 Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island province , the   effective  public library services   are established under the authority of   Public Library Act.(>www.library.pe.ca<).  There are public libraries and district libraies.

4.1.9 Nova Scotia

An attempt has been made by Father James J. Tompkins to  establish public library services in Nova Scotia  Province.  Libraries Act (1937) was a milestone in the history of public library system in Nova Scotia. There are municipal libraries and regional library systems.There is a provision of provincial and municipal funding. Regional library boards look after the library services and responsible for making rules and regulations for  public library. Since 1996,  all  branch library provides internet access to the public.(http://www.library.ns.ca/content/about-nova-scotia-public-libraries).


4.1.10 Newfoundland / Labrador

Under the Public Library Act, the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board is responsible for the services of all public libraries in Newfoundland and  Labrador. There is a provision of provincial funding. There is a network of 96 public libraries. These libraries are administered through four divisions, namely : Western Newfoundland and Labradore Division, Central Division, Eastern Division and Provincial Resource Division.(>www.nlpl.ca<) There are local libraries and regional libraries. Free public access to internet under the Community Access Programme (CAP) and Library Net   was made available in all  96 public  libraries by 1999.


4.2 Territory Libraries

There are three territories in Canada, viz., Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, Nunavut. Most of the  public libraries are governed by territory public library acts.

4.2.1 Yukon Territory

Yukon Public Libraries are units of the Department of Community  Services  of the Government of Yukon. Yukon Territory Public Libraries Act 1987 and Regulations 1988 discuss the powers and duties of community library boards.  There is a Central Library in Whitehorse and 14 community branches which fulfill the informational needs of the Yukoners.(>www.ypl.gov.yk.ca/index.html<) There is the provision of per capita provincial funding,

4.2.2 Northwest Territories (NWT)

Northwest Territories Library Act (2009)  provides a legal framework to the rights of the library users and the powers of library authorities . Territorial and municipal governments jointly  provide funding to public library system in NWT. NWT Public Library Services are a unit of Education, Operations and Development under the Department of Education, Culture and Employment . In 2010, there were 15 public libraries.(>www.bclibraries.ca.ptplc/files/NT_Annual­_Report_to_PTPLC_09_10_EN.pdf<)  There are community libraries, virtual libraries Yellowknife Public Library.


4.2.3 Nunavut Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories Public Library Services is a unit of Education Operations and Development under the   Department  of Education, Culture and Employment, Government of Northwest Territories and under the direction of the  Territorial Librarian  provide public library  services to the all  residents of Northwest Territories.>www.nwtpls.gov.nt.ca< There is provision of territorial government funding  and community contribution.

Nunavut : Nunavut is the largest and newest territory in Canada. It was separated from Canada in 1999. Nunavut Public Library Services (NPLS) serves the community of  the territory of Nunavut. NPLS receives funding from Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth (CLEY). It also receives funding for projects from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Community Access Program, ABC Canada Literacy Foundation etc.(>www.publiclibraries.nu.ca/< and >en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunavut_Public_Library_Services<). There are 11 communities libraries, which serve the people of Nunavut territory.


5. Library Associations and Public Libraries

There are several public library associations in Canada, which work for the development of the public libraries.  Associations promote activities of public libraries and enactment of laws for ensuring a legal foundation for libraries.

5.1 Canadian Library Association (CLA) (&amp;gt;www.cla.ca&amp;lt;)

Canadian Library Association (CLA)  was founded in 1946 and incorporated under the Companies Act  on November 26, 1947. It is a not- for –profit, voluntary and national organization for library community in Canada. Association is governed by an elected Council and Board of Directors. It promotes library activities in Canada, seeks for public support for the development of libraries. The mission of CLA are (>www.cla.ca/<):
  • “Champion library values and value of libraries
  • Influence public policies impacting libraries
  • Inspire and support member learning
  • Collaborate to strengthen the library community.”
CLA has five divisions :
CACUL     -           Canadian Association of College and University Libraries
CASL        -          Canadian Association for School Libraries
CAPL        -           Canadian Association of Public Libraries
CASLIS     -           Canadian Association of Special Libraries and Information Services
Clta            -           Canadian Library Trustees Association

Apart from these divisions, CLA also has various interest groups.There  are now 19 such interest groups working in the various fields to  interact on common issues. It organizes conferences, seminars,workshops and webinars to connect professionals for sharing their views.


5.2 Canadian Association of Public Libraries (CAPL)(&amp;gt;www.cla.ca/Am/template.cfm?Section+CAPL2&amp;lt;)

Canadian Association of Public Libraries (CAPL)  was founded in June 1972. A division of Canadian Library Association. CAPL has  various committees, such as : CAPL Nominating Committee, CAPL / Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award Committee,The Bursary Committee, Continuing  Education Committee, Public Libraries Building Capacity Committee, Communications Committee. CAPL works through these committees. CAPL  gives various awards, such as : CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award, Book of the year for children Award and Amelia FrancesHoward- Gibbon Illustrators Award.
CAPL has  some notable publications to its credit. These are :
  • Careers in Public Libraries
  • CAPL Electronic List
  • Information Service  Training and Evaluation Kit
  • Getting Connected to the Information Highway Kit.
  • Dividends: The Value of Public Libraries in Canada
  • CLA and CAPL endorse UNESCO Public Library Manifesto

6. Library and Archives Canada (LAC) (National Library of Canada)

National Library of Canada was established in 1953 by an act of parliament and located at Ottawa. Later in 2004 it was merged with the National Archives of Canada and renamed as “Library and Archives Canada. It  ‘preserves and makes accessible the documentary heritage of Canada’. (>www.collectionscanada.gc.ca<. ) The library has a vast collection of items including archival records of Government of Canadaand private archives  (>en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_and_Archives_Canada<). The collection includes :
  • Over 20 million books
  • Over 71,000 hours films
  • Over 2.5 million drawing, maps and  plans.
  • About 3.18.million megabytes of information in electronic format.
  • Over 21.3 millionphotographs
  • Over 270,000hours of video and sound recordings
  • And many more. .(>www.collectionscanada.gc.ca<. )

Facilities and services: LAC provides reference services, online services : blog, podcast, the twitter social network services,YouTube ,RSS feeds etc.Now LAC is facing the challenge of bodget cuts.Various associations and organizations are campaigning against reducing budgetary allocations.

7. Challenges before public libraries

The public library system in Canada faces a number of challenges such as:
  • Need for charging fees for library cards
  • Paucity of funds
  • Low population density
  • Non availability of internet in remote and rural areas.

8. Conclusion


In this module the present scenario of public libraries in Canada has been discussed. In a nutshell public libraries in Canada have special features. Distinct provincial and territorial public library scenarios have also been discussed. Some core issues have also been taken up. Public libraries are the backbone of democratic values. Public libraries are the institutions, which protect and enrich democratic processes in society. Public libraries today face challenges from different corners, such as  reduced funding, changes in taste of population, impact of ICT, socio-economic conditions etc.