Library Programs Policy

Athens County Public Libraries maintain a continuing schedule of programs for all ages of patrons. All programs will be planned, measured and evaluated on an on-going basis to ensure that library resources are being optimally used.

Ideas for library programming may be generated by library staff based on professional research, requests by patrons for programming on particular topics, or community organizations seeking to present useful information to library patrons. Those ideas will then be developed or discarded based on criteria including but not limited to:

  • Relevance to library patrons or the community as a whole.
  • Availability of adequate facilities at library or off-site locations.
  • Available funds for library programming.
  • Staff resources required to plan, schedule, and present the program.
  • Success or lack of response to similar programs at the library.

Depending on available resources and the criteria above, library programs may be:

  • Presented by library staff using library resources.
  • Presented by an organization, expert, or performer contracted by the library for the program.
  • Presented by library staff in conjunction with a community organization that has needed expertise or resources for the program.

Community organizations may reserve space in a library facility to present their own programming without the participation of library staff or the contribution of library funds or resources. Such events are not considered to be library programs and are subject to the Library’s Public Meeting Space Policy.

Library staff members are available to speak to community groups on topics relating to libraries and information services, in the library and off-site, as time allows. Special programs for children’s groups visiting the library and off-site programs for children by library staff may be
scheduled as time allows.

Library programs will be evaluated based on the number of attendees, feedback from attendees, effectiveness of the presenter, and the effective use of library resources. Programs that do not meet expectations in these areas may not be repeated in the future.

 

Adopted September 21, 2021