Standards & Competencies
- Download the Standards and Best Practices for Public Libraries in Alberta
The following is taken from the introduction:
Compliance to standards, which is monitored by the Public Library Services Branch, is mandatory. Library boards must comply with standards to receive provincial operating funds. The standards require: written bylaws, a plan of service, written policies, reports to the Minister and municipal council, a written budget and estimate of funds, financial reporting, a professional librarian (contingent on population size), agreements in place, governance structure and hours of opening (school-housed).
- Download APLEN's Core Competencies for Technology
The following is taken from the introduction:
The need for library staff to adapt to a changing environment is well known. The use of electronic information and related technologies has become indispensable in the delivery of quality library services. Continuous technological changes in public libraries over the past decade have resulted in library staff needing to maintain and upgrade their technological skills as they provide service to library patrons. In addition, public libraries have experienced turnover of staff members which means that the basic technology training (how to use productivity software, knowledge of the Internet and email) is never truly completed. For many libraries, access to training sessions can be limited by budget restrictions, distance, a lack of staff members and availability of appropriate sessions. It is generally accepted that today, local library staff members need basic technology competencies that exceed knowledge and use of the automated library system.
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