Education and Early Childhood Development
June 30, 2016
Ensuring a Long-Term and Sustainable Library System
Organizational and Service Review to Inform Future of Provincial Library Resources
The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, has requested that the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board suspend its decision to implement a regional library model while a complete organizational and service review of libraries is conducted.
"Our government wants the best for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. At this point in our history we are faced with a challenging fiscal situation that we must address. We do have to make tough choices, but we are also open to listening to residents. We have heard from very strong voices about the future of our libraries and we feel that before moving forward with any closures we should have an external assessment that contemplates the full impact a library has on its community. We still contend that we need to improve library services to meet the changing needs of users. At the end of this review, we want to have a clear and transparent overview of our library system to inform the next steps in our decision-making process."
- The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
A steering committee will be formed including members from the Provincial Government and Provincial Information and Library Resources Board. The review will include:
- Provincial stakeholder consultations;
- Analysis of the current service delivery landscape including locations, types of services offered, usage and service delivery methods;
- Review of the governance structure;
- Review of library service standards including operating hours, programs and types of services offered; and
- Research of trends and leading practices from other jurisdictions.
The review will also consider broader governmental objectives that focus on the use of innovation, modernized service delivery and alternative use of buildings and service locations.
"We are pleased to work with the Provincial Government to help conduct a review of the provincial library system. This approach will provide a complete and full assessment of our resources, strengths and areas that need improvement. The report, with input from the library system and communities, will help lead us to a better overall system for library users."
- Calvin Taylor, Chair, Provincial Information and Library Resources Board
The resulting report will provide an overview of the current state of the library system, relevant research and the information gathered during consultations. The report will be used to assist the Provincial Government with future decision making related to the province's library system. Further details of the consultation process will be released in the coming weeks.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government has requested that the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board suspend its decision to implement a regional library model until an external review of the library system is conducted.
- A steering committee will be formed including members from the Provincial Government and Provincial Information and Library Resources Board.
- The review will examine the current library system, governance structure, service standards, best practices and conduct stakeholder consultations.
- The review is expected to be finished this fall and will assist the Provincial Government with future decision making.
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Media contacts:
|
Blair Medd
Director of Communications Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 709-729-0048, 631-8465 blairmedd@gov.nl.ca |
Andrew Hunt
Executive Director Provincial Information and Library Resources Board 709-643-0904 ahunt@nlpl.ca |
2016 06 30 12:35 p.m.