Note: For a newly appointed library manager or a new board member these links are an important source of (Big Picture) information regarding Alberta's library community.


The Alberta Library (TAL) 
A consortium of public, academic and special libraries that work together to acheive collective goals. Because of Marigold's membership in TAL the member libraries/patrons have access to enhanced library service.

Alberta Public Library Electronic Network (APLEN)
APLEN is a program that is managed by TAL to facilitate and coordinate the delivery of network and resource sharing services to the public libraries of Alberta.

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Alberta Municipal Affairs Public Library Services Branch – Quick Links

Financial Reporting Forms, including Statement of Receipts and Disbursements, Budget.  Library Boards serving populations under 10,000 are asked to use the provided forms. Boards serving larger populations may submit their own budget and financial review/audit.
 
Public Library Services Branch Website for Libraries Find information about grants, policy, plan of service, statistics, funding, standards, Minister's Awards, and structure of Alberta Library Service.
 
The Libraries Act and Regulations set out the governance structure for public library service.
 
Standards and Best Practices for Public Libraries in Alberta Information on basic service standards and best practices. Includes criteria to use when analyzing whether to relocate, renovate or close an existing library.
 
Resource Sharing Operational Policy for Public Libraries   Consists of guidelines that define rules for resource sharing between participating libraries, including interlibrary loan and the provision of Alberta-Wide Borrowing in the future. (scroll to bottom of above link)
 
Public Library Network Policy  Government of Alberta policy that defines the cooperative network linking Alberta public libraries.(scroll to bottom of above link)

 
Public Library Statistics Quick facts about library boards, municipalities, library use, library funding. Includes statistical reports and charts.

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RISE Network

RISE toolbox  Find information about scheduling a videoconference, RISE promotional materials, information for hosts and presenters, and using videoconference equipment.
 

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Marigold and member libraries support important national, provincial and local initiatives.

Alberta Culture Days
Alberta Culture Days began in 2008 as Alberta Arts Day, a one-day event to recognize the value of Alberta's arts and cultural communities. Since then, it has expanded into a vibrant, three-day, provincewide celebration that has helped inspire the creation of Culture Days - a pan-Canadian movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.  Alberta Culture Days is helping to achieve the goals of our province's cultural policy, The Spirit of Alberta.

Canadian Library Month  
Canadian Library Association encourages libraries to help raise public awareness of the valuable role that libraries play in the lives of Canadians. Click on events.

CNIB Library Partners Program
The province of Alberta has provided funding for the CNIB library through to March 2012, which means member libraries now have access to Long-term Deposit Collections. The program also offers the option of self-registration for eligible patrons.

Freedom to Read Week
Freedom to read can never be taken for granted. Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Libraries are encouraged to get involved by creating displays and hosting events related to Freedom to Read. Find many links and resources on the website.