The Libraries Act embodies four principles for equitable public library service:
- Access: Albertans have an equal right to access information regardless of economic, social or geographic circumstances.
- Accountability: Provincial and municipal governments are responsible for maintaining a healthy public library service. Library boards are accountable to the citizens and funding authorities.
- Service efficiency and effectiveness: Cooperation among and through library systems is the most efficient means of providing access to information.
- Funding: Public library service is funded by local and provincial tax dollars. Library boards may raise funds. They may not charge for basic public library service.
The Libraries Act sets out conditions of free basic public library service:
- access to library facilities;
- use of library resources in the library;
- borrowing library resources;
- acquiring library resources through interlibrary loan;
- consultation by library staff, and
- basic information service.
You can find out more about the Libraries Act at the Municipal Affairs website as well as view the full Act and regulations online.
