Plans and Reports
The Halifax Public Libraries Branch Profiles provide a range of information and analysis about each of the Library's outlets and the catchment area they serve in terms of both community demographics and branch use. The Halifax Public Libraries Performance Highlights and Trends provides this information for the Library system as a whole. Information is updated and printed annually
Youth Opposing Gang Activity: This research project evolved from a concern on the part of the Sackville Public Library that all youth in Sackville be given every opportunity to reach their potential and live rich lives in their community. Gathering information on all the various programs and services available to youth in the community through this project will help the Library in the development of more collaborative efforts with other organizations to fill gaps in service to youth. Community youth engagement as a protector against criminal behaviour is become an increasingly important component of the Library’s programming.
Libraries and communities everywhere are actively looking for effective responses to the challenges and opportunities associated with a steadily aging population and in particular with the large cohort of Baby Boomers poised to begin retirement in the next few years. Halifax Public Libraries has identified this demographic as a priority; in Service to Older Adults - A Plan for Halifax Public Libraries the library outlines its plans to provide the best possible service to Older Adults; define ongoing strategic directions and goals; and provide a framework for specific actions through yearly objectives.
The Central Reference Review (2006) is a synthesis of information about consumer trends and internal use trends. Several international studies on global information trends were extensively used in the preparation of this report, notably OCLC's "Environmental Scan: Pattern Recognition (2003)", "Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers" (2004), "Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources" (2005).
Local History and Genealogy Service Review - Halifax Public Libraries' local history and genealogy service occupies a unique niche within the HRM heritage community. What differentiates the Library from other institutions is its focus on published heritage, its array of programs for all ages, its staff assistance, its convenient locations/hours and its inter-branch and inter-library loan system.
Halifax Public Libraries recognizes the importance of providing services to teens, including the need to address youth issues in the branches. While teens as a group are identified as an under-served population, the Library also recognizes that some branches are being sought out by "at-risk" youth who lack many of the resources, opportunities and supports that build capacity in youth and lead to successful adulthood. The Library outlines its strategy in the Teen Services Report.
The Needs Assessment and Master Facilities Plan, prepared by Terrain Consultants, presents recommendations and establishes priorities regarding capital development in the Library system for an approximate ten-year planning horizon. Additional considerations include building capacity in an environment of fiscal restraint, and establishing a Central Library while strengthening the Branch network.
