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BC Government Releases Strategic Plan for Public Libraries

October 26, 2016

The Libraries Branch of the British Columbia Ministry of Education has released a renewed vision and strategic plan for public libraries – Inspiring Libraries, Connecting Communities: a vision for public library service in BC.

Our vision is one where public libraries continue to provide British Columbians with access to the information and tools they need to learn, work, create and thrive in today’s changing world. This new plan sets out our strategy for the coming years, highlights the changing role of public libraries and celebrates where we have been and where we are going. It also sets out our path forward to make our vision a reality. This plan builds on the strategies and outcomes of the previous plan, Libraries without Walls (2004).

Thank you to the BC Library Trustees Association, BC Library Association, Association of BC Public Library Directors and the BC Libraries Cooperative and our steering committee for working alongside us on the development of this plan and for their significant contributions through the course of the project.

Contributions from the library community formed the foundation of this vision and plan. Through strong partnerships and commitment to our strategies, we will deliver on our vision, and all British Columbians will benefit from access to information that inspires them.

In the coming months we will work with partners to build a collaborative implementation plan to ensure that our next steps and future actions are clear and attainable. We look forward to continuing discussions as we move forward to action and implementation.

The new strategic plan is available on the Ministry’s website here. Please let be in touch if you have any questions,

Mari Martin
Director, Libraries Branch | BC Ministry of Education (Victoria)

Executive Summary

Libraries bridge the physical and digital worlds, connecting people not only with a world of information but with each other. They support and contribute to life-long learning by providing safe, open spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds. British Columbia’s public libraries strive to meet the needs of people at all stages of their life. Libraries are valued because they provide equitable access to information and services in many forms. By sharing innovative technologies and services, libraries are expanding services beyond their physical walls. Libraries continue to embrace new ways to support arts and culture, leisure, learning and skills development.

Today’s library is dynamic, multipurpose and flexible, supporting a broad range of community needs.

Since 2004, the vision for public library services throughout British Columbia has been guided by the Provincially developed plan, Libraries Without Walls: the World Within Your Reach. For the past 12 years, it set the Provincial strategy for libraries and provided a solid framework for realizing its goals. The plan helped libraries of all sizes navigate significant changes. Nationally, British Columbia ranks in the top third of provinces on its number of active users, number of items borrowed, and size of library collections. British Columbia’s libraries continues to see growth in these areas and in overall use. The Ministry of Education recognizes the importance of supporting the improvement, extension and promotion of quality public library services across communities. That is why the Ministry of Education worked with key partners and stakeholders to develop this renewed vision and strategic plan.

The Province is focusing on the future by creating a strong and diverse economy and supporting thriving communities. Inspiring Libraries, Connecting Communities, details a renewed vision for public libraries, one that recognizes and supports their changing role and important contribution to the social, cultural, and economic health and well-being of communities. This plan also acknowledges the continuing importance of providing equal access to information through our libraries.

Our world is changing. To meet evolving user expectations and community needs, libraries are making adjustments to their programs, services, collections, policies, and systems. Trends in community demographics, global economic markets, and technological changes are driving the ways that libraries deliver services, develop staff, communicate and make decisions. Given the impact of these significant trends and drivers, it is critically important that all stakeholders work strategically with a clear vision in mind. This plan provides that vision.

To develop this plan, the Ministry of Education Libraries Branch engaged in a consultation process that included workshops, interviews, and various feedback cycles [Appendix A]. The ministry established a steering committee of library stakeholders to support the consultation and engagement process. This committee provided ongoing and regular feedback on the overall approach and direction of the consultative process. The steering committee included members of BC Library Trustees Association, BC Library Association, Association of BC Public Library Directors and BC Libraries Cooperative. Contributions from the library community and stakeholders formed the foundation of this vision and plan.

This plan also affirms government’s strategic commitment to work with the library community to improve access and support the changing role of today’s libraries. It represents a commitment to working together on shared goals and ensures progress on the vision for the cultural, social and economic benefit of British Columbians. By working together at all levels we will be able to provide British Columbians with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed today and in the future. By expanding new opportunities everyone can benefit from publicly held and supported digital resources.

The strategies outlined below collectively support the vision for public library services in British Columbia:

  1. Fostering Connected Communities: Advancing access to information and resources
  2. Building Capacity: Enabling inspiration and innovation
  3. Working Together: Creating lasting and sustainable partnerships
  4. Sustaining our Success: Enhancing governance and demonstrating impact

The Ministry of Education, through the Libraries Branch continues to fulfill its mandate under the Library Act, including managing Provincial public library grants and associated accountabilities, administering the Act, and promoting the improvement and extension of public library services throughout the province.

It is through a thoughtful, cooperative approach to moving forward that we will all be successful in ensuring that our public libraries provide British Columbians with access to the information and tools they need to learn, work, create and thrive in today’s changing world.

The strategic direction outlined in this document focuses on enabling libraries to deliver the connected and innovative services, programs, and information resources that British Columbians need now and will need in the future. The vision also recognizes the important role libraries play in enabling equitable access to information. People will have access to the information they need regardless of who they are or because of any physical or geographical barriers.

Moving forward, the ministry will work with library partners and stakeholders in the development of a plan to implement this strategy and is committed to reporting annually on its progress.

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