Library Director Zoom Calls
Member Library Directors are welcome to attend monthly zoom meetups that feature guest presentations, regular connection with our Public Libraries Branch partners, and an opportunity to collaborate and problem solve with colleagues.
The most recent 2 months of calls are included below. Visit the Archives for logs of previous meeting and the Events page for a schedule of upcoming calls.
MARCH 20, 2024
FEBRUARY 21, 2024
JANUARY 17, 2024
November 15, 2023
● (00:01) Welcome and Introduction
o Susan welcomed attendees to the meeting
● (00:45) Business Items – Susan Walter
o Susan shared that BCLTA will be providing governance training for our trustees and more details will be shared as they are available.
o Susan thanked all directors who have agreed to act as mentors including Stephanie Hall, Marc Saunders, Saara Itkonen and Emma Gillis. Your expertise and related experience have been very beneficial to members. ABCPLD is looking to recruit new members so please reach out to Jessica if you are interested in becoming a mentor.
o Susan provided an update regarding government relations work. The Library Partners met with Minister Kang as well as with the Library Branch staff team. Minister Kang was very clear in her support for public libraries and asked for information that would help support her advocacy to other levels and departments of government for increased funding. She would like to know how the enhancement grants have been allocated and why we are asking for ongoing funding and not just one-time funding for these funds. Minister Kang would also like data and stories that support our requests, how we partner in our communities to deliver services and programs as well as confirmation that municipalities are not decreasing funding when the province increases funding. Minister Kang stressed the importance of continuing to meet with individual MLA’s. The Partners will have a follow-up meeting with Ministry staff to provide this information and continue to advocate for increased funding. The Partners have started to discuss how to best gather this data to support the ask. Susan requested that members continue to share information regarding how they have used the enhancement grants and feedback from any meetings with MLA’s.
● (8:50) Public Libraries Branch Request
o Susan reported that Mari is looking to establish a small working group (3 to 6 directors) to help influence the template for reporting on the use of enhancement grants and the overall annual library grant report. Mari is looking for information on the rationale and impact of the chosen project. What questions do directors want to answer and be added to the template, what is working with the current template, what questions perhaps need to be removed from the template, etc. It would be great to have directors that represent different libraries across the province. If you are interested in joining the working group, please reach out to Jessica. The bulk of the work will take place in December.
● (11:50) Intellectual Freedom – Wendy Wright
o Wendy spoke to her concerns regarding what is happening in government with regard to intellectual freedom.
o The US has had a progression of book challenges starting in school libraries, to classrooms, to public libraries and then to involvement of politicians with support of parental rights groups. In some US states it is now a felony for having a book that is considered harmful to minors.
o Wendy shared that this type of rhetoric has started to happen in the BC government.
o Discussion regarding the concern that sexual education books are being referred to as cartoon pornography by some political parties. This rhetoric starts in school libraries but very quickly moves into public libraries and was recently challenged in Chilliwack resulting in an RCMP investigation.
o Wendy recommends that we provide the BC government a backgrounder with information and context informing that these allegations of pornography have been investigated by the RCMP and found to be false. Wendy suggests that we convey the message that libraries goals are to protect access to information for everyone rather than advocating for one specific cause.
o Discussion regarding how BCLA can take a role in this. Also, is this something that we ask ABCPLD to take on or the Partners?
o Christina shared that their collections policy ensures that staff handle individual book challenges and that the Board’s roles is at a policy level so they will not hear about individual book challenges and will only hear challenges to policy. Christina presented to her City Council regarding library collection challenges and what intellectual freedom means for public libraries and how this is politically motivated and not about books. Christina will share this presentation to the listserv.
o If the membership feels that ABCPLD should take a more formal stance and write a letter then please let Jessica know. Susan suggested members continue to share so that ABCPLD can track this and identify who has had active challenges.
● (38:14) Trustee Recruitment – Susan Walters
o Libraries have different approaches to recruitment.
o Brian shared their experience as a small rural library. They currently do not have a recruitment strategy. There are limited number of volunteers available in their community. Often the same group of trustees sit on both local community boards and on library boards. The Board’s approach to recruiting trustees is to “ask a friend”. This does not support the need for idea changes.
o Deb shared their experience as a larger urban library. City Council has the prerogative to select library board trustees so it is ultimately the Council’s decision regarding who is appointed. Deb shared that their approach is to augment the City’s recruitment process. The library promotes the recruitment in their library and with community partners and also provides a prospective trustee information session (previously in person and now online) covering what is and what is not the job of a library board, the time commitment required, the number of meetings that will take place, etc. Deb can share the slide deck from this info session. The Library Board reviews all the applications and makes their recommendations based on what they have identified as gaps in skills, knowledge, abilities and demographics on the Board. This then goes as a memo from the Library Board chair to the Council representative appointed to the Library Board.
o Paul shared that they are able to send a letter from their Board Chair to Council sharing how many board members are re-applying for additional terms and sharing the skills and competencies they would like to promote for vacant positions.
● (55:50) FOI Requests – Susan Walters
o Susan reported that a couple of libraries have received FOI requests from CUPE BC with relation to negotiator contracts. If anyone else receives these requests you can reach out to Cari or Paul who have received FOI requests recently.
Next Meetings:
o The next Zoom meeting will take place on January 17, 2024. Jessica will send out meeting invites for 2024.
o The ABCPLD Spring AGM will take place in person and virtual this year and is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday April 23, 2024 in the afternoon. The AGM will be linked to the BCLA conference. Richmond Public Library has offered to host the AGM. Jessica will send out a survey to members regarding topics for the meetings.
October 18, 2023
● (00:01) Welcome and Introduction
o Attendees were welcomed to the meeting
● (1:25) Presentation by Colin Edstrom – Workplace Law Issues
o Colin shared his background with labour and employment law
o Colin opened the floor to questions:
· ORL will be entering into negotiations with both their unions and Danielle was wondering about the status of the current labour market pertaining to unions. Colin spoke about collective agreements during Covid in which for the most part there were no wage increases or minimal increases at most. The length of collective agreements were also relatively short. This stagnation of wages corresponded to historically low interest rates at that time. Now many industries have returned to their pre-pandemic levels and there is an increase in wages. At the same time interest rates have increased. Unions have become more aggressive in their ask as a result of this. Pre-pandemic standard wage increases were in the 2% range whereas current wage increases are higher in the 4% to 6% plus range.
· Matt from Fort St. John Library spoke about negotiations that were tied to cost of living increase rather than a set rate. The union was quite aggressive with an ask for an 8% increase. Colin spoke about whether the threat of strikes or walk-outs are as strong or realistic today given the ability for libraries now being able to provide more services online.
· Discussion regarding the new sick time legislation and how this aligns with sick time policies within existing collective agreements. The Employment Standards Act was revised a few years ago and now requires that collective agreements have to meet or exceed the bare minimums of the Act. After 90 days of employment employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days and 3 unpaid sick days per year. This is calculated similarly to how statutory holiday pay is calculated. Existing collective agreements need to be consistent with this new sick pay legislation. Employers are entitled to request reasonably sufficient proof that the employee was sick. Sick day can be for an injury or illness leave which can be for both mental and physical health reasons. Discussion regarding banked sick time which is not permitted in the new sick time legislation. Compliance with the legislation is on a complaint-based system.
· Discussion regarding whether unions are requesting negotiations around flexible work schedules. This primarily relates to working from home arrangements. This is becoming more prevalent in collective agreement negotiations. How does this relate to work within a library environment given that some work can be done from home but for the most part library staff are needed to work in person. Providing flexible work schedules can be used as an effective bargaining tool as a non-monetary give by the employer. Employers need to remember that once this is included in the collective agreement it will remain and cannot be removed from the agreement.
· Discussion regarding the trend for 4-day work weeks. Colin shared that the government was not prepared to revise the Employment Standards Act to reflect 4-day work weeks. Employers may already have averaging agreements at their disposable. Colin believes that we will see a modified work week in legislation in the next few years that will largely be driven by the private sector. Some municipalities have successfully adopted a 4-day work week. Libraries provide a community benefit and perhaps may experience push back from the public if a library were to adopt 4-day work weeks.
· Discussion regarding the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation stat holiday and how this relates to existing collective agreements. To eligible for this, employees must have worked for 15 of the preceding 30 calendar days and must have been employed for at least 90 days. The eligibility is the same as for other stat holidays such as Christmas, BC Day, etc. Discussion regarding averaging agreements and in lieu agreements within existing collective agreements.
● (59:20) Update on Government Relations Activities
o Susan thanked members for reaching out to their MLA’s and for sharing feedback and updates which Jessica is compiling. The Partners have a meeting with Minister Kang on Oct. 26th. Susan requested that members share information regarding how they have used their enhancement grant funding in order to demonstrate the impact of this funding when meeting with the Minister. Susan would like to give as many examples as possible from both larger urban libraries and smaller rural libraries. Discussion regarding libraries using the enhancement grant to fund temporary staff positions and whether or not asking for continued funding from local governments for the continuation of these positions once the enhancement funding is depleted.
o Susan will send out an email regarding feedback from Earnscliffe regarding the report from CULC: Overdue: The Case for Canada's Public Libraries. The 3 key recommendations from the report dovetail precisely into our current ask of the BC government. Earnscliffe, however, recommends that we focus on our current ask given it is a fairly large ask that can really benefit BC public libraries. The Partners will be sharing this report with government in a follow-up meeting.
● (1:06) Strategic Planning – Rebecca Burbank
o Powell River is about to embark on a strategic planning process and has engaged Andrea Freeman (former ED at ABCPLD) as a consultant. Andrea has proposed that other libraries who are in the strategic planning process be invited to join in with Powell River in order to have a group dialogue on some common points and be able to take advantage of cost sharing. If any libraries are interested, please reach out to Andrea who will share the proposal that she has shared with Rebecca.
o Port Moody Library will be starting up with their strategic planning process soon and would be interested.
o Hilary shared that the price point Andrea is offering is very reasonable and confirmed that the strategic planning will still be customized for individual libraries.
● (1:11) Other items – Susan Walters
o Susan shared that a couple of libraries are interested in exploring the process of becoming more independent of their municipality district and are wondering if other libraries have undertaken this process or are currently exploring this. Susan will put this question out to the listserv.
o Some libraries are interested in learning more about using e-resources as a way of using their enhancement grant. Susan suggested establishing a smaller working group amongst members. Deb suggested reaching out to Tammy at the Co-op and the Licencing Business Function Group who would be able to share their expertise and suggest best options. Susan and Jessica will follow-up with interested Directors.
o Susan reported that the calendar invites are working effectively. If anyone is having any issues please reach out to Jessica.
Next Meetings:
o The Fall Business Meeting will be held on October 26, 2023 and has been pushed back to a 2pm start because of the meeting with Minister Kang before the meeting.
o The last Zoom meeting for this year will be held on November 15, 2023 at 1pm.
September 20, 2023
(11:52) Welcome and Introduction
Attendees were welcomed to the meeting
Susan welcomed and introduced our new ABCPLD Executive Director, Jess Aldred
Susan shared that Geneva Blair is the new Acting Director at Midway Public Library
(14:00) Presentation by Public Library Accessibility Working Group – Chris
Lytle, Untapped Accessibility
Susan introduced members of the Working Group, Rina Hadziev and Leigh Anne Palmer who are present today
Chris addressed four questions that arose amongst the membership regarding compliance with the Accessible BC Act:
What needs to be on a library’s website/within their facilities to demonstrate compliance with the Act?
the only requirement is that the Accessibility Plan has to be put on the website/published to the public. You can put this in PDF form, Word form or via an HTML link
at this time the BC government is not looking for strict compliance or to penalize organizations
Chris has provided a link to Developing your first Accessibility Plan
What does a process look like for an Accessibility Committee reviewing feedback?
All feedback should be reviewed but there are 4 factors that a committee should be looking at when reviewing feedback: is it reasonable, relative, actionable and measurable
For example, feedback can be received to make print larger on a website. This is both reasonable and actionable
Feedback unrelated to accessibility does not have to be reviewed
For relevant feedback received, Chris recommends bringing that feedback to a library’s accessibility advisory committee who can provide lived experience and expertise
What level of feedback/information is appropriate to bring to your committee?
Chris recommends that in the beginning you should share everything with your committee
As you mature and develop a relationship with your committee you will be able to determine what is or is not important to share with your committee
How do you respond to an auditor concerned about gift-card based honorariums for committee members?
If you are providing a financial honorarium for volunteer work there is a maximum of $500 you can provide without having to issue a T4. If it’s over $500 a T4 will need to be issued and will impact income supports received by committee members and possible claw backs to income received
Chris is suggesting asking the committee members what they would like to receive thereby giving them the power and dignity to make decisions that are best for them
Leigh Anne shared that Disability BC is checking in with organizations regarding where they are in their accessibility process
Chris pointed out the Resources page of his presentation that members can access. The presentation slides will be shared with members after today’s meeting. Jessica will distribute to members
Untapped Accessibility offers one-on-one free support for libraries to answer questions and to develop and review your plan. Rina pointed out that this service is free for now so members should utilize this service.
Libraries who have a shared accessibility plan with their municipality can also access this service from Untapped Accessibility. Rina pointed out that municipalities have also received significant funding for this work
(41:00) Update on Government Relations Activities
Susan updated members that a formal ask has been made in writing to Minister Kang to increase provincial funding to $30 million annually
Co-chairs Rina and Kevin have met with the new chief of staff in Municipal Affairs to start building that relationship and we are requesting an in-person meeting with Minister Kang in the next month or so
Jess has sent out the key messages to members who are encouraged to have conversations with their MLA’s and share those key messages and also narrow it down to what that means in your individual communities
After meeting with Minister Kang, the Partners will reach out to meet with other key contacts in government. Earnscliffe is putting together a list for the Partners
A Google form request has been sent by email to members to share information regarding how libraries are planning to use their funding. This will be helpful for other library directors as well as provide information to Earnscliffe. A separate form should be completed for each project. Jess will re-send this form to members as a stand-alone email
Suggestion that members reach out and speak with all their MLAs from all political parties given that we are heading into an election next Fall
Some libraries are considering getting together to have a combined meeting with their MLAs
Jess requested that feedback from members about their meetings and conversations with MLA’s would be very useful information to have to help inform our follow-up conversations with the Minister. Jess will send out mechanisms for that feedback and would appreciate any feedback members can provide
Susan shared that the Partners have decided to not be present at UBCM this year because libraries just received a large amount of funding and there was no new campaign that we were going forward with at this point. Earnscliffe suggested that energy would be better spent by having one-on-one conversations with MLAs
Discussion regarding the importance of stressing that the recent provincial funding was for enhancement grants and that this funding is not meant to replace funding by local governments. Public Libraries Branch has also been very clear about this with local governments
(1:08) Mentorship Program
If any directors are able to participate in this program please reach out to Jess. We have a number of new directors and acting directors that the Mentorship Program can provide some support to
(1:11) Public Libraries Branch – Mari Martin
Mari shared that BC will be proclaiming Library Month in October. Mari will email the official proclamation to members in PDF format. Mari shared that Minister Kang is considering visiting a library during Library Month. If a library is planning an event, you can reach out to the Ministers office to invite Minister Kang
Typical Week survey is coming up this Fall and this optional survey will likely be distributed in the third week of October. The Libraries Branch will be hosting some data workshops
The Libraries Branch is reviewing its strategic plan and doing some updates
Question regarding digital licencing that will be funded. Mari updated that the plan is to have licences in place for January 2024
In preparation for March 1st annual reporting, Mari will speak with ABCPLD executive regarding ways to best gather information about enhancement grants and will do some updates to the reporting template
Next Meetings:
The next Zoom meeting will be held on October 18, 2023 but will shift to 1pm to 2pm
The Fall Business Meeting will be held on October 26, 2023 from 1pm to 3pm
Email communications will go out to members regarding these meetings
JULY 7, 2023
● (0:05) Welcome and Introduction
o Attendees were welcomed to the meeting
● (0:48) ED Hiring Update
o Susan shared that the recruitment has been going very well with 6 shortlisted candidates that were interviewed
o The hiring committee has unanimously decided on a candidate and will be presenting an employment offer. Susan will announce the candidate once the employment contract has been accepted and signed
o This candidate has a diverse background with a lot of advocacy experience
● (2:38) Library Partners Update
o Susan shared the Partners table is waiting for the new ED to be in place and take a lead role in creating shared general advocacy messaging by September for members to then share that messaging in the community, with MLA’s and funders so that everyone is advocating in one direction with shared language
● (4:31) Enhancement Grants
o The new ED is to compile a list of the many ideas that were shared on the listserv with regard to how to use these funds and identify common threads. This will also help with reporting and demonstrating the impact the funds were able to have
o Discussion and clarification that these funds are in no way meant to replace funding by local municipal governments
o Question regarding the decision-making process directors have used to frame and strategize their discussions with their teams (municipality, trustees, etc) regarding the use of the grants
o Discussion regarding concerns directors have regarding how municipal funding levels may reduce regardless of how the intent of the grant is framed and presented
o Question regarding the possibility of investing portions of the enhancement grant into GIC’s given that for many libraries the funds won’t be spent right away but rather over the next 3 years. Many libraries are choosing to invest in GIC’s
o Suggestion about the importance of reiterating that the enhancement grant funding is addressing a historical shortfall. Susan shared that Mary Martin has strongly suggested that we move away from language that is focused on funding shortfalls and instead focus our message and language on sustained, secured and ongoing funding
● (36:07) Mentorship Program
o We have a number of new library directors on board and more directors to come. We have a Mentorship Team in place from 2021-2022 of which 4 directors are currently members and a few that have retired. Susan will be reaching out those directors still on the Team. Please reach out to Susan or Cari if you are interested in being a mentor for a new director.
● (38:30) Powell River Public Library Update
o Rebecca shared that their library has signed off on their new collective agreement for a 5-year term with 3% across the board
o Rebecca shared that job evaluation was a significant theme that came up during the negotiations and now they have an internal evaluation process based on ensuring that there are equitable wages for the roles within their organization. Safety and responsibility were also big topics at the table
● (42:00) Other Agenda Items
o Discussion regarding using libraries as cooling/warming and clean air centres and the level of staffing that would be required and whether libraries can share staffing with city or regional district staff. Some directors shared that they had agreements in place with their local governments to be reimbursed for staffing costs
o There will be no Zoom meeting in August
o Susan will update members via the listserv regarding the hiring of the new ED
june 14, 2023
● (0:28) Welcome and Introduction
o Attendees were welcomed to the meeting
● (1:05) Presentation by BC Librarys Cooperative – Tami Setala
o Tami requested input from members about the $10 million enhancement grant allocated to the Coop which can be distributed over multiple years
o The Coop has had two one-time grants over the past several years. The current Covid Recovery grant is being used to fund Overdrive Magazines and shared licence for all BC libraries for Linked in Learning with the licence being paid up to February 2025
o Tami shared options for the use of the enhancement funds:
Continue funding Overdrive Magazines and Linked in Learning beyond 2025 for all libraries across the province
Funding other province wide suite of products other than Linked in Learning such as Canopy Plus (unlimited use package of titles), Press Reader (digital newspaper) and Ancestry. These were the top 3 products that libraries suggested from previous surveys
Devise an opt-in model to provide libraries a credit for purchasing licenced content from the Coop giving libraries more choice and flexibility
A hybrid model encompassing the above options
o Discussion regarding the greater impact of province wide licencing as opposed to credits for libraries
o Suggestion made that the Coop provide members with more details about the different products available for purchase so that libraries can make a more informed decision and respond to a poll or survey at a later date rather than polling members at today’s meeting
o Tami requested feedback regarding other ideas for the use of funds:
Products that libraries can subscribe to around training for staff such as CCDI membership
Review usage statistics and pay for the top used databases that libraries are subscribing to in order to free up funds for libraries to be redirected elsewhere
o Discussion regarding the Federations and BCLA also considering use of their enhancement funds for some of these initiatives and not duplicating products or services to be offered to libraries. Tami clarified that the Coop will be having these conversations at the partner’s level
o Tami suggested that members email her with a list of resources that they are interested in purchasing
o Tami will create a survey for members to provide feedback and will then communicate the results for further feedback and then hopefully make decisions to move forward
o Discussion regarding the possibility of holding some of the funds to be invested for future use so that alternative licencing models and potential new content sources can be considered
o Discussion regarding using a portion of the funds for e-books as many libraries have experienced an increased demand for these collections
● (41:50) ABCPLD Updates – Susan Walters
o Susan reported about the Library Partners presentation to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. The Partners didn’t present as a group but presented separately with shared messaging for a $30 million dollar ask
o Executive Director recruitment – this is an “open until filled” posting. If members know of any potential candidates please ask them to apply
● (45:10) Indigenous Representation on Library Boards – Christina de Castell
o Christina updated members that their library along with Lilloeet Library and Vancouver Island Regional Library wrote a joint letter to the Province on behalf of their boards to say that there are barriers to indigenous representation from their local nations on their boards. More information will be provided at a future meeting
● (52:29) Additional Funding Update – Susan Walters
o Susan had a meeting with Mari Martin about the 2023 funding and shared that libraries should receive their letters and their funding by the end of June. Mari is still working on the model for the allocation of funding
● (53:30) Other Agenda Items – Susan Walters
o Decriminalization legislation and libraries and the working from home survey will be forwarded to a future Zoom meeting agenda
o The July Zoom meeting will take place the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We will not have a meeting in August and will resume meetings in September
o Susan announced that Jim Bertoia is retiring from Sparwood Public Library after over 40 years of service in Sparwood
May 17, 2023
(0:05) Welcome and Introduction
· Attendees were welcomed to the meeting
(1:17) Presentation by BCLA – Rina Hadziev
· A brief update regarding the activities of the Public Libraries Accessibility Working Group was provided:
· The Working Group has met with a number of consultants who can support the work of public libraries to come into compliance with the Accessibility Act and have selected Untapped Accessibility. Cari will reach out to members in the next couple of weeks with information regarding how libraries can book time with the consultant. There will be both group and one-to-one training opportunities.
· An update on BCLA activities was also provided:
· The BCLA AGM is coming up on June 14th. BCLA will be providing other disability/accessibility training opportunities as well as will continue with anti-racism work with a report to be released shortly. As part of the provincial surplus funding BCLA received $300,000 to provide a 3-year provincial professional development offering. BCLA will work with Federations to ensure that their training and professional development is complementary and not conflicting with other training in both content and timing. BCLA will be reaching out to library directors and library workers to provide feedback and input and will be hiring a temporary staff person whose first task will be to do a needs assessment about training and learning. Rina shared that BCLA will work to gather information and share with other sector organizations.
(18:58) One-time Funding Discussion
· The discussion started with a number of questions from attendees:
· There was a question regarding a shared communication approach for acknowledging the government for the funding. Leigh Anne clarified that Earnscliffe is working on a template thank you letter which will be distributed shortly.
· There was a request for clarification regarding the allocation formula for the distribution of the one-time funding grant. Susan clarified that operational grants are based on the per capita formula which doesn’t always benefit some smaller rural libraries. For the enhancement grant, Mari used a different formula that provides a greater benefit to smaller libraries.
· There was a discussion regarding the importance of continuing to advocate for lifting the funding freeze now rather than waiting for changes to come in 2026. Susan shared that Mari strongly suggested that our ask be more forward focused rather than looking backwards and that we adjust our language accordingly. The discussion moved to how to frame our ask without losing the impact that historical freezes in funding has had on libraries.
· Attendees shared ideas for the use of one-time funding grant, including:
· mental health and safety
· violence prevention training
· accessibility work
· purchase of e-books
· recruitment and retention
· community outreach with seniors
· service extension with rise in population
· staffing position tied to reconciliation and indigenous policy planning
· staffing position for social worker
· staffing for special programming
· improved furnishing for branches
· emergency and disaster planning
· strategic planning
May 10, 2023
(0:05) Welcome and Introduction
Attendees were welcomed to the special meeting
(0:30) Presentation by Public Libraries Branch – Mari Martin
Susan welcomed Mari Martin (PLB) and Tara Faganello (Assistant Deputy Minister from Ministry of Municipal Affairs)
Tara provided a general introduction, and spoke about the $45M in funding as an acknowledgement of the provincial role in improving and enhancing library services across BC.
The funding was part of the 2022-2023 budget which is why the $45M had to be distributed by the Ministry’s fiscal year end of March 31, 2023.
The $45 million is in addition to the annual $14 million in funding that is distributed each Spring.
There was a general discussion and a number of questions:
Christina asked for clarity regarding the allocation of the annual funding and shared that they are reluctant to commit to projects without having this information first. Mari shared that they don’t have a plan in place as of yet for the distribution of the $14 million and wants feedback regarding what is or isn’t working with the current grant structure as well as what members feel is the most important factor for the Ministry to consider.
Members stressed the importance of having flexibility regarding the use of funding.
Mari clarified that reporting will not change and will be folded into the annual accountability survey.
There was a question regarding the 2023-2024 $14M funding and the allocation between libraries directly and partner/sector organizations. Mari clarified that most of the $14 million, if not all, will go directly to libraries because the sector organizations have already received their 3-year funding in March 2023.
MARCH 8, 2023
(0:05) Welcome and Introduction
Leigh Anne welcomed everyone to the meeting.
(1:40) Presentation by Public Libraries Branch – Mari Martin
$45 million in one-time surplus funding was provided to public libraries within the 2023 budget. There will still be $14 million in funding for the base budget for fiscal 2023/24. Libraries will likely be receiving their letters on March 31st. The funding is for 3 years but there will be no timelines and limited spending parameters so it is highly flexible.
2023 annual grants to libraries will be allocated in March instead of June. The Libraries Branch will be using the 2021 Census data. Libraries will see increases in terms of per capita grants. Plus, libraries will be receiving one-time, “enhancement” grants from the surplus funding. Grants will also be distributed to Library Services and sector associations, including to the Coop to support shared digital collections.
There was discussion regarding the funding formula for the operational funding. Mari clarified that there isn’t a new formula; the annual funding will use the same formula but will instead use the 2021 census data. Mari explained that they have applied protections so that libraries should not have decreases in their annual base funding, even if their populations decreased.
The one-time enhancement grant will be using a similar formula used for Covid Relief and Recovery funding.
There was discussion regarding municipalities potentially reducing their funding. It was agreed that using language that emphasizes “enhancing” and “augmenting” would reinforce that this is supplemental funding, not replacement.
There were a number of questions posed:
Question regarding timing of funding. Mari clarified that $45 million to be distributed now until March 31st and then $14 million for the 2023-2024 fiscal year (for the 2023 grants to libraries).
Question regarding the communication plan for this new surplus funding and what can be discussed with the board or trustees. Leigh Anne suggested that directors can have operational discussions with their board and trustees, however, holding off on more public announcements via social media, etc
Question regarding whether libraries can expect some additional funding even if there has been no increase in population or only marginal increase in population within a community. Mari clarified that all libraries will receive some portion of the enhancement funding and distribution will be calculated similar to the Covid Recovery Funding.
It was suggested that members share information regarding their plans for the use of these funds. Leigh Anne will schedule a meeting to brainstorm ideas.
(52:35) Discussion regarding Drag Queen Storytime
Deb shared that they had their event this last Saturday with 95 participants with much success and very little protest. Deb shared that they had reached out to the RCMP prior to the event and worked with them in the planning of the event. RCMP did decide to be present in the plaza area. Deb has put together an information kit which she can share with members.
Not all libraries, unfortunately, have had a similar positive experience. Nelson Library has decided to cancel their event.
(57:57) ABCPLD AGM and Business Meeting
Leigh Anne reminded members to please RSVP for the AGM.
February 15, 2023
(0:08) Welcome and Introduction
Leigh Anne welcomed everyone to the meeting
(2:06) Presentation by New to BC – Reena Didi-Bansal, Jody Johnson
New to BC is funded by the federal government with the goal to raise awareness about library services and other services that are relevant to newcomers of BC via their website, social media and the Library Champions Project.
The Library Champions Project is a volunteer community outreach initiative where newcomer library champions are trained to conduct outreach and raise awareness about library services with other newcomers in their communities.
Rena delivers the program virtually to libraries across BC and specifically in Greater Victoria, Vancouver Island, Prince George, Kootenays and the Northwest. Rena has had great success running the program in the Okanagan and Greater Victoria. There are some communities such as the Northwest and the Kootenays where it has been more challenging primarily due to demographics and the lack of newcomers or service providers
Jody shared that outside of metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, the program is delivered regionally and asked the group to help identify regions that the program should be operating in next. They are hoping to reach isolated newcomers who are living in smaller and remote communities across the province.
(29:50) Update from Accessibility Working Group
Cari informed attendees that the Public Libraries Accessibility Working Group has put in an application for funding to DABC for $100,000 to $150,000 for consulting. Organizations will be able to apply to the Working Group to engage consultants to assist them to be in compliance with the legislation (i.e. to help write your accessibility plan or create your accessibility committee). A practicum student is working on determining which consultants to have for the project.
Cari shared that there will be a session on Accessibility Legislation at the BCLA Conference and Beyond Hope.
(33:30) ABCPLD AGM and Business Meeting
An invitation will be sent out to members for the AGM, to be held on April 11th at VPL. The AGM will have a professional development component with two speakers who are Justin McElroy, Municipal Affairs reporter for CBC, and Ron Mattusi, acting CAO in many different municipalities across BC.
(37:10) Update regarding Partners
Leigh Anne provided an update on the Provincial Advocacy Initiative work. At the end of last month Leigh Anne and Kevin from the Coop met with Minister Kang at Burnaby Public Library for an introductory meeting. This was also an opportunity for the partners to speak about our funding ask. The partners have asked for 3-year Provincial Stabilization funding to stress the importance of needing operational funding particularly given inflation, etc.
The partners have asked the consultant, Earnscliffe, to pull together an action plan around UBCM.
January 18, 2023
(0:06) Welcome and Introduction
Members and guests were welcomed everyone to today’s meeting
(1:08) Adrienne Wass, Public Libraries Branch
In November 2021 the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act was amended. Since then, the PLB has been working on updating privacy guidelines for public libraries. They will be ready for distribution soon.
There are two amendments affecting libraries: the requirement to have a privacy management program and to implement mandatory privacy breach reporting should there be a possibility of harm to an individual.
Resources are available through the BC Government website. Templates and guides are available as well as individual help available through the privacy helpline for more general questions. A webinar will be held with privacy experts/lawyers that will be recorded.
There was a question regarding what constitutes a privacy management program. Adrienne clarified that this consists of the policies and practices that libraries have for protecting privacy which are likely already in place in libraries. There is a template available for help with this as well. Adrienne will send an email with more information and links to resources.
(9:50) Partners Update
Leigh Anne emailed a partners update earlier today to members providing a high-level overview with where we are with the Provincial Advocacy Initiative. Susan provided the following summary highlights :
Partners met with three government relations firms in the first week of January and selected Earnscliffe Strategies to support our GR work.
The provincial government has a 5.8 billion surplus available for spending. Earnscliffe has been tasked with supporting us as we put forth our ask for some of this funding
(11:50) Update from Accessibility Working Group
Cari Lynn updated that the group met with the Disability Alliance of BC last week to obtain more information about what is forthcoming for libraries.
In the next month or two the Disability Alliance of BC will provide a toolkit, templates, etc for forming accessibility committees. There will be some form of funding available for individual libraries to hire consultants if necessary. Cari Lynn will have another update in early February.
Cari Lynn reminded members that only your accessibility plan and committee is required for submission
(19:35) Update regarding Drag Queen Storytime
Todd G shared that CPL has run a drag queen story time program twice. There were a small number of protestors during the first session. Leading up to the second event the library received some threats requiring the presence of police on standby. There were over 200 protestors and activist groups resulting in some pushing and shoving. Todd shared that they did hire third party security which wasn’t effective and suggested that members be careful when hiring security and ensure beforehand that they will be assigned with individuals who are trained in managing extreme conflict.None of the protestors were able to enter the library so conflict and protest took place outside.
Todd stressed the importance of having a contingency plan in place in the event that the library was breached or there ends up being interaction with protestors and children.
Despite the protests, this is an extremely important program for the community. The library received a lot of positive feedback from patrons. The first session was attended by 75 people whereas the second session had about 300 people in attendance. The program was a great success and was driven and managed by library staff who were very satisfied with the outcome.
There was discussion regarding how to assess the capability of a performer/drag queen and the choice of books read. Members can reach out to Todd’s team if they are interested in running this program.There was discussion regarding the space that was used for the event. The room was designed for 120 people and there was only one entrance into the library so that staff could control who entered the room. Only parents with children were allowed into the room with some consideration for teenagers wanting to attend. No single adults were allowed. Room dividers were opened to accommodate the 300 people who actually ended up attending the program. The event had program staff, program managers and directors in attendance. Todd suggested that libraries that don’t have enough staff consider having volunteers to assist.
December 14, 2022
(0:05) Welcome and Introduction
Leigh Anne welcomed everyone to the meeting
(0:35) Ministry of Citizen Services – Chris Ellis and Greer Olsen
The Ministry is undertaking public engagement to learn more about public knowledge and understanding of the BC Services Card App, online government services and digital identity specifically with the hopes of informing a greater marketing and promotional campaign
Chris is hoping to work with libraries as a way to connect with a handful of people in hard-to-reach areas (i.e., rural and remote areas, individuals who don’t understand online services but seek help at libraries with this)
Chris is requesting librarians to participate in a short workshop/meeting to talk about their experiences in how they support patrons with accessing government services
Leigh Anne suggested that Chris provide his email in the chat so that interested members can contact him about joining the working group
Chris is particularly interested in connecting with libraries in rural or remote areas to reach out to users who would be interested in being interviewed. Chris will provide information/communication materials for library staff to share with users. Compensation is available for both patrons and library staff who participate in interviews (approx. $40)
Chris is also interested in working with libraries that are servicing users that are unhoused/underhoused or are marginalized
(27:00) Open Round Table Discussion
Bargaining updates:
Cari shared that their bargaining in Grand Forks has completed though not ratified as of yet and that the overall outcome was positive with reasonable increases
Many members haven’t started bargaining process and/or there are many compensation reviews underway at the moment
Question about what the general consensus is regarding increase in wages. Many libraries are suggesting 3% to 3.5% increase.
Budget process:
Discussion regarding breaking down proposed budget increases into each component of the budget’s cost centres rather than presenting an overall budget increase
Discussion regarding the benefit of presenting all revenue sources to highlight that libraries are receiving funds not just from their local governments and also highlighting the percentage drop in provincial revenue
Discussion regarding change in council members/committee members and the resulting need to re-educate. Susan suggested sending a welcome memo to new council members as soon as they are elected to share information about the library, perhaps provide a copy of annual reports
Susan shared that their Fund Development Committee undertook a fundraising campaign by sending emails to all active cardholders over the age of 18 (letters sent to 44,000 cardholders). The library received over 200 donations ranging in amounts from $10 to $1500 for a total of $12,000 raised. Susan will share the messaging they used for this campaign
Discussion regarding whether there are tips and best practices documented regarding finance and budget presentation and fiscal transparency. Leigh Anne shared that ABCPLD has identified finance, including budgeting and bookkeeping, as a future topic for a professional development session and will note adding tips and best practices as a component of this session. Ursula will re-share a presentation she did a few years ago regarding budgeting. Rebecca also offered to share information regarding budget presentations
(52:04) Provincial Advocacy Initiative (PAI)
Leigh Anne reported that we have met our budget goal for the 2-to-3-year initiative and have raised about $165,000 from public libraries and their boards from both small and larger libraries
In the past month the partners have been working on a project charter that Leigh Anne will share with the group in the new year so members can share with their boards. This will provide a very high-level scope of the project. The partners are working on a project plan which will outline the goals of the project and how those will be accomplished.
The scope of the project is provincial advocacy and in particular advocating for increased operational funding for public libraries
In the first week of January the partners will be interviewing about four government relations firms who will bring high level preliminary strategies that they would use to move the advocacy work forward. The partners are hoping to make a quick decision so that some real headway can be made as we move into the next budgeting cycle.