Libraries without walls

Through consultations with members of the library community, the PLSB has developed a practical vision for public libraries that provides equitable access to information to all British Columbians and makes effective use of provincial public library resources. [...] The Framework for Public Libraries in British Columbia Public libraries in British Columbia share a common mandate under the Library Act to make public library collections accessible on-site and borrowing free of charge to all residents/electors of the library’s service area. [...] Responding to these needs, the proposed library strategy describes a vision for public libraries that will: • support equitable access to information by capitalizing on Internet technologies; • ensure libraries are able to overcome technical barriers to access; • build on collaboration among libraries, the education system, the private sector and all levels of government to improve service deliver [...] The Vancouver Public Library will lead the rest of the community as they collectively define the scope of the services to be made available. [...] In the short term, implementing this concept will promote the: • visibility of libraries and the services they offer to their local communities; • modernization and revitalization of public libraries through user-friendly technology; • existing and new service capacities and information offered by libraries; • reference and other skills of librarians; • libraries as vital centres of community info