The Libraries Act embodies the following four principles for equitable public library service:
1. ACCESS Albertans have an equal right to access information regardless of economic, social or geographic circumstance.
2. ACCOUNTABILITY Provincial and municipal governments are responsible for maintaining a healthy public library service. Library boards are accountable to the citizens and funding authorities.
3. SERVICE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS Cooperation among and through library systems is the most efficient means of providing access to information.
4. 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 also sets out conditions of free basic public library service:
Learn more about the Libraries Act at:
