Friends of the Regina Public Library

NEWS RELEASE : Last days for provincial library survey

 Wednesday January 23, 2019

 REGINA, SK — Saskatchewan residents are being strongly encouraged to respond to the provincial survey on libraries. The survey will be open until January 25.

The survey offers opportunities to comment on a wide range of topics including funding, the one-card provincial library system, standards for library buildings, colocations with other services, how library boards operate and a review of The Public Libraries Act, 1996. “Indigenization” providing services on-reserve and programmes in other library locations is discussed. There is also an opportunity for people to write about their overall vision for their local library and for the provincial system as a whole.

The questionnaire is based on the Report of Saskatchewan Public Libraries Engagement comprised of meetings with library staff and trustees around the province. The report is one step in the provincial government following up on its promise to consult with the public after the province’s attempt to greatly reduce the provincial library budget in the spring of 2017 was met with widespread opposition. This support for libraries prompted the government to put its budget reduction on hold and promise public consultations.

“The questionnaire itself contains simple rankings for the importance of several issues and a space to fill in individual thoughts, so it is essentially a blank slate,” said Joanne Havelock, Chair of Friends of the Regina Public Library. “To make more sense and provide a strong response, people are advised to review the questions that were asked of the library administrators (listed in Appendix B) and the discussion of Themes in the report.”

The survey was announced on January 10, 2019 and thus was only available for 15 days, and is only available on-line.

“This is a very short window for people to hear about and respond to the survey. The survey reflects on issues concerning urban, rural and northern library users and people living on reserves, and opportunities for input should be including persons with disabilities,” stated Havelock. “It doesn’t include people who don’t have computer access. There should have been more promotion of the survey and the questions it is asking and opportunities to fill it in at library branches.”

“One of the recommendations is for a provincial library strategy”, said Havelock. “We hope that this survey is just a start in a process of the government obtaining feedback, sending draft recommendations out to the public, and getting further feedback. In addition to the survey, people are encouraged to send in their ideas to their library boards and to the Minister of Education.”

For more information contact:

frpl@sasktel.net

Joanne Havelock: cell (306) 535-9570

Government of Saskatchewan “Report of Saskatchewan Public Libraries Engagement Survey” https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2019/january/10/libraries-report

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FRPL will be making a presentation today at the Regina Public Library Board meeting citing ways to improve the Board’s policy around public input into Board meetings – 4:30 pm in the 2^nd floor Boardroom at Central Library.

 The RPL Board instituted a new Submissions and Delegations policy in May 2018.

“Many of the new rules are copied from City Council and laying them out provides some clarity”, said Joanne Havelock Chair of FRPL. “FRPL has some recommendations for improving these rules.”

A key question will be how the Board handles submissions and requests for presentations that contain criticism of the Board or library operations.

Under the new policy, the topics that can be addressed are limited to items already on the Board’s agenda, limiting the opportunities for members of the public to make presentations on other emerging issues.

“Library patrons send messages to the Library Board – praise and criticism – all aimed at improving library operations. The Library Board needs to ensure that it is encouraging and not restricting public input. FRPL has tried to have respectful discussions with the RPL Board, encourage good consultation processes by the RPL and encourage public participation in opportunities to put their views forward. FRPL is encouraging dialogue between the Board and patrons on these new submissions and delegation policies so that future exchanges of ideas can be productive.”

A rally is being held at 4:00 pm at Central Library, organized by patrons concerned about their ability to have their voices heard at the Library Board.

Note that the Board meeting will start with a half hour AGM, followed by the regular January meeting agenda.

FRPL ‘s letter to City Council re the RPL budget, the mill rate increase, or lack thereof,  to be approved by City Council on Feb. 27th. FRPL to City re RPL budget 2018 – final

The RPL budget can be found here on pages 65 to 85  RPL budget 2018 pages 65 to 85