Program Development Policy
Mission Statement
"Dreams, Ideas and Information"
The Ada Community Library is committed to providing a broad range of library materials and services offering personalized assistance for community residents, encouraging early literacy and life-long learning and increasing cooperation and resource sharing among area libraries.
Objectives of the Program Development Policy
- To further the Mission of the Ada Community Library
- To promote greater awareness of the Library and its services
- To guide staff in the development of Library programs
Responsibility for Programming
The authority and responsibility for library programs is delegated to the Library Director, who in turn, designates Branch Managers and staff whose job descriptions include program responsibilities or who are qualified for this activity by reason of interest, training, or experience. Suggestions from patrons are solicited and will be given consideration. Staff are strongly encouraged to develop library programs in cooperation with other agencies or community groups.
Definition of a Library Program
A Library program is any presentation given inside or outside of the Library, in person or by technological means, by a librarian or other presenter and sponsored by the Library or the Friends of the Library. It may be a one-time event or an ongoing series.
General Purpose of Library Programs
Library programs should be designed to increase the number of readers and users of the library and its resources. As such they should appeal to and are promoted to both library users and non users. Programs should specifically further one or more tenets of the Mission Statement including support of early literacy and life-long learning. Library programs should provide a connection to the library collection and that connection is specified in all publicity, displays, and booklists
Audience
While most library programs are open to anyone, programs are often specifically designed to appeal to one generation or another; may appeal to and/or educate about various cultures; or may respond to the interests of specific groups. Some programs may require pre-registration due to the nature of the program and the need to limit participants.
Content
Library programs should meet the needs and interests of the public. They could meet specific early childhood development needs or offer school-age children and teens high quality social and educational opportunities. For adults, they may respond to current topics and/or issues or may provide cultural or social opportunities and extend urban opportunities to distant areas of the district. They may be offered in a variety of formats, such as readings, technology and media, lecture, discussion, theater, etc. Library programs should be designed and promoted in a manner to increase users of the library and to avoid duplication of programs offered elsewhere in the community.
Quality
Library programs should be educational, and often have specific learning outcomes. They may educate through entertainment and recreation, and should be connected to the collection or to library services. Library programs will be regularly evaluated regarding quality and content.
Schedule
It is expected Library programs will be offered at times convenient for the target audiences throughout the week. For example, early childhood programming will be offered during weekday mornings, after-school for school aged children and teens, and early evening for adults or families. At its discretion, ACL may cancel programs for reasons believed by the Library Director to be in the best interests of the health, safety or welfare of the library patrons, including, but not limited to, outbreaks of contagious diseases or conditions in the area.
Funding
Funding for library programs comes from varied sources, including the library budget, contributions from the Friends, grants from the Idaho Commission for Libraries, Idaho Humanities Council and Idaho Commission on the Arts, gifts from individuals, and via community partnerships, and in‑kind funding.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, August 19, 1998
Revised, November 27, 2007
Revised, September 20, 2011
Revised, November 20, 2013
