The Government of Saskatchewan has announced the completion of the province's first-ever 2022-27 Provincial Public Library Sector Plan.
This plan was created in collaboration with Saskatchewan's 11 public library systems, representing more than 300 public library branches around the province. The plan will support the library systems working in collaboration with each other and the Ministry of Education to meet the needs of Saskatchewan residents now and into the future.
"I am pleased to see the advice given to the government through this comprehensive plan," Education Minister Dustin Duncan said. "A stronger Saskatchewan library system means easier access to critical resources for the public."
The Library Sector Plan consists of five main priorities:
System Sustainability: Libraries are an ever-changing environment that needs to reflect current and future needs of Saskatchewan residents with programs and resource assistance as well as continued growth.
Technology: Provide staff training in technology that will be utilized by the residents to shape a positive technological future.
Reconciliation: Build and develop library services and programs with Indigenous peoples in the spirit of reconciliation.
Literacy: Support the literacy of all Saskatchewan's citizens so they can actively achieve participation in social and economic development.
Infrastructure: Provide an accessible and welcoming community space through infrastructure development to meet the current and future needs of Saskatchewan residents.
The Public Library Sector Plan was developed in consultation with Saskatchewan public library systems. In 2019, feedback was gathered from over 5,800 Saskatchewan residents who provided their input on a library engagement report. That report was developed after meetings with public library stakeholders and the majority of respondents supported the themes identified in the report.
2022-2023: is to complete jurisdictional analysis to compare funding levels for public libraries in Saskatchewan. Analyze the impact of the variance in funding between library systems. Research alternative and innovative methods of collaboration and resourcing between public libraries.
2023-2024: plan for future sustainability of regional systems by defining future resource needs of public library systems and services. Work with regional systems to determine strengths and weaknesses of the current regional funding formula. This may include working on a new or revised formula.
Over three years: work as the provincial public library system to identify future challenges and opportunities at a provincial level. Conduct a review of the Public Libraries Act, 1996 with input from Boards and Library Directors. For more information on The Public Library Sector Plan, please go to their website at saskgovernment.ca.
