Less than half a year remains until libraries in Alberta must adhere to new regulations regarding their collections. Some librarians are uncertain about the implementation of the regulations due to the workload and potential costs involved. The regulations stem from Bill 28 and require Alberta’s public libraries to limit access to materials containing visual depictions of sexual acts. Individuals under 15 years old are not allowed to use or borrow these materials without parental consent.
Libraries have until January 1st to determine what materials to restrict, where to store them, and how to control access. Lesley Moody, manager of the Olds Municipal Library, emphasized the complexity of the task, noting that thorough examination of each item is necessary. Moody estimated that reviewing the library’s graphic novel collection alone would require 600 staff hours, equating to $15,000 in labor costs.
Concerns extend to assessing DVDs, video games, and other image-containing materials, acquiring new shelving units, and establishing new procedures for library cards and parental permissions. While Moody is confident in her team’s ability to manage the review process without closing to the public, smaller libraries may face closure during compliance.
The province plans to issue guidelines this month to aid libraries in adjusting or creating policies in response to Bill 28. Questions remain about the applicability of restrictions to educational and historical materials, reliance on ratings systems for films and video games, and access to online resources.
Bill 28 aims to prevent children from encountering explicit content in libraries without removing items from shelves. Libraries have traditionally curated collections based on age-appropriateness and have mechanisms for addressing complaints. However, concerns exist that the restrictions may reduce visibility of certain materials or lead to libraries avoiding contentious items.
The bill also expands the scope of inspections, prompting uncertainty among library managers about the inspection process and potential outcomes. While the inspections are intended to resolve issues rather than penalize, concerns persist about centralized decision-making and the impact on local communities.
Critics argue that the restrictions impede freedom of expression rights for young library users and suggest that libraries should challenge the regulations constitutionally. The outcome in Alberta is being closely monitored by libraries nationwide, as it may set a precedent for similar legislation in other provinces.
