Purpose & Overview
The purpose of this policy is to guide staff in the development of programs at Halifax Public Libraries (“the Library”). This policy also informs the public about how the Library develops and delivers its program offerings.
Definitions
Program: A recreational or learning experience for community members that is curated, and in some cases designed or co-designed, by Library staff. Programs may occur inside the Library, outside of the Library, and/or online; they may be led either by Library staff, a volunteer, an external presenter, or by community members themselves. Programs may be presented by the Library alone or co‐sponsored with one or more individual or organizational partner(s). May also be referred to as “events,” especially in the case of larger-scale programs.
Programs do not include activities taking place in rented Library spaces, which are governed by the Library Room Booking Policy.
Program curation, design and development: the process of selecting or approving programs according to stated criteria and planning the experience in order to achieve defined outcomes for an intended audience. Includes evaluation to determine whether programs are successfully meeting outcomes.
Program offerings: all programs offered by the Library at any given time.
Format: the way a program is structured and arranged as an experience (for example, a story-time, a lecture or a workshop).
Co-sponsored program: a program that is planned and delivered collaboratively with an outside organization or individual.
Library: the use of ‘Library’ with a capital L refers to Halifax Public Libraries.
Program Development Statement
The Library provides a wide range of free programs and events that respond to community interests and needs and support the Library’s mission and strategic goals. Our programs expand opportunities for learning, connection, entertainment, and growth. They also provide an opportunity for the development of community partnerships and the promotion of the Library’s other services.
The goals of Library programming are:
- to meet the needs and interests of the various communities which the Library serves, considering both general interests and more specialized ones,
- to supplement and extend the information found in the Library’s collections and other services, providing opportunities for learning, discovery, and entertainment in a social setting,
- to strive to be as accessible as possible,
- to reflect the diverse backgrounds, identities, histories, and cultures that are part of the community, and
- to promote the Library and encourage the use of its resources.
Attending Library Programs
Participation in Library programs is an individual choice. While a person may reject a program for oneself, they may not restrict access for other people.
Library programs are open to everyone. However, the Library reserves the right to limit attendance based on considerations of the program—for example, programs based on age, or space limitations.
Program attendance requires compliance with Library policies, including the Customer Conduct Policy and the Youth Conduct and Safety in the Library Policy. As with other services, children’s access to programming is the responsibility of parents and guardians.
The Library reserves the right to cancel or reschedule programs as deemed necessary.
Intellectual Freedom
Free access to information and ideas is a democratic right of every citizen and is enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Library recognizes Section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which guarantees that “everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication.”
Public libraries ensure this right by providing free access to a wide range of thoughts, ideas, information, and expressions from a diverse range of perspectives, including those which may be regarded as unpopular, controversial, or offensive. This access is provided via both Library collections and programming. The presentation of a program does not indicate the Library’s endorsement of the content or viewpoints expressed in that program. Program topics or discussions deemed offensive by some will not disqualify their inclusion in the Library’s program offerings.
The Library is committed to upholding the Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries of the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA), opens a new window.
Criteria for Program Development
Programs are developed to support the Library’s strategic goals and to respond to community interests and needs. The Library offers programs based on the following development criteria:
- popularity of or interest in the subject matter and/or program presenter, either current or anticipated,
- reputation, knowledge and experience of the program presenter and/or their organization,
- contains Canadian and local content,
- when presenting a discussion or issue, aims to inform, explore and provide context,
- provides educational, cultural and/or entertainment value,
- format suitable for intended audience and program goals, and
- uniqueness among the Library’s program offerings and those in the larger community.
When developing its program offerings, the Library also considers budgets, space availability and other operational constraints. A program need not meet all criteria to be offered.
All programs, including co-sponsored ones, must be open to the public and free of charge. They must provide information or an experience for the public without promoting a business, product, or commercial enterprise. Fundraising, soliciting, political campaigning and/or lobbying are not permitted. Exceptions made in service of strategic objectives must be approved by the Chief Librarian & CEO or designate.
Both Library-sponsored and co-sponsored programs will be regularly reviewed and evaluated, as will any partnerships associated with them.
As outlined in the CFLA Code of Ethics, opens a new window, Library staff do not choose or reject programs based on their personal values or beliefs. Program development takes place in accordance with the Ethical Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy and all other applicable Library policies.
The final responsibility for Library programs is held by the Chief Librarian & CEO, but day-to day responsibility is delegated to Managers, Leads and designated Marketing and Communications staff.
Program Suggestions and Offers
Members of the public are welcome to suggest ideas for Library programs, either ones they would like to see offered, or ones they would like to offer as co-sponsor. Suggestions will be considered using the Library’s criteria for program development. Not all suggestions received will be approved, and only approved suggestions will receive a response from Library staff.
For those offering a co-sponsored program, approval of a previous program offer does not guarantee that an organization or individual will be asked to offer the program or have future proposals approved.
Program Presenters
In addition to presenting its own programs, the Library also partners with individuals and groups to offer co-sponsored events.
A program is not co-sponsored unless both the Library and the partner explicitly agree. For example, renting or booking a Library space for an event does not mean the event is co-sponsored (see Library Room Booking Policy).
Co-sponsored program presenters must:
- always ensure the dignity and safety of the public and staff, in accordance with Library policies and standards, and the security of Library property,
- follow staff direction, and
- agree not to contravene the Criminal Code of Canada and the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act during their program.
Misrepresentation of a program, a likelihood of physical hazard to participants or audiences, a likelihood of misuse of premises or equipment, non-compliance with Library policies, including the Customer Conduct Policy, may all constitute reasons to terminate a program.
Request for Review of Library Programs
Staff are always willing to discuss the Library’s program offerings. Please see the Request for Review Policy.