Library Internet: Unfiltered

Library Internet: Unfiltered

Intellectual freedom is part of the rich tradition of public libraries, and of Calgary Public Library in particular. That’s a big part of the reason that we will soon only offer two options for internet access: All Access or No Access.

• We will begin to offer these two options to new patrons beginning August 8, 2016.

• Patrons with filtered access accounts will see their accounts transitioned to All Access beginning September 1, unless they request No Access.

• From August 15-31, the Library will begin notifying patrons via a pop-up on the website, a message upon authentication, and postcards available at service points.

• A letter to the most active users of filtered internet (approximately 290 patrons) will be mailed by August 10.

• The revised policy was approved by the Board in May 2016 with a September 1 implementation.

Why is the Library making this change?

• The new unfiltered policy better aligns with the Library’s positive stance on intellectual freedom.

• Offering filtered access provides a false sense of security for patrons, as filters are not 100% effective. This is due in part to the fast-paced nature of the internet, which makes new filters obsolete very quickly.

• As a library, we want to provide our patrons with as much access to information as possible; filters have been known to inadvertently block information.

• The Library is moving toward more mobile computing services, and these are not compatible with filters. Currently, patrons with filtered internet access cannot use the Library’s Wi-Fi or Chrome Books (this barrier to access particularly affects teens).

• Patrons with filtered access very rarely use the internet through their Library account. We have 90,000 patrons with filtered access, and only about 2% of these make regular use of the internet.

What can a patron expect to have happen to their filtered account?

It will be converted to an All Access account, unless a patron requests to have it converted to a No Access Account.

What if a patron has concerns about internet content or doesn’t want their child to have access to the internet?

• The No Access option would best suit their needs. If their child does need computer access, a parent/caregiver can always sit with them and help curate their content.

• The Library is also investigating devices that will have preloaded software for children, giving them the opportunity for a controlled computer experience. We’re currently piloting Playaway Launchpad tablets at Fish Creek and Central libraries, and at Forest Lawn Library during School’s Out All Summer programming. (For more information on Playaway Launchpad tablets, see the July 22 Issue of The Bulletin.)

Where can I get more information for patrons who ask?

MarCom will produce a postcard-sized handout that can be given to patrons. Also, you can refer patrons to the Library Public Access Network Terms of Use.

Still have questions? A staff FAQ document, please see Sharepoint > Service Delivery > COPPS > Key Messages About Filtering

Sun Life Financial Arts + Culture Pass Celebration

The Foundation’s Paul McIntyre Royston speaks to the full house.

On August 2, we hosted a special event honouring Sun Life Financial and the program’s more than 40 partners, as well as launching its new visual identity (see the July 22 issue of The Bulletin). Paul McIntyre Royston, President and CEO of the Calgary Public Library Foundation, announced that Sun Life Financial has become a million dollar donor to the Add-In Campaign. "With unemployment at staggering levels, The Sun Life Financial Arts + Culture Pass brings the imagination and vibrancy of theatre, opera, museums, music, and festivals to Calgarians at a time when wonder and creativity are needed most," he told the audience.

McIntyre Royston interviewed by CTV Calgary Public Library

In 2012, the Calgary Public Library Foundation finalized a multi-year investment with Sun Life Financial to expand the program to all of Calgary’s community libraries. Over the life of the program, 36,500 tickets have been donated by more than 40 arts and culture partners with the ticket redemption rate growing to 95% by 2015.

Paul Joliat of Sun Life Financial remarked, “research has shown there are clear physical and mental health benefits from engaging in the arts, and if people are benefiting from mental and physical well-being, they too can give back to their community.”

L-R: Janet Hutchinson, Board Chair, Bill Ptacek, CEO, Paul Joliat of Sun Life Financial

Ian David Moss, from Fractured Atlas and founder of Createquity,

spoke about the importance of arts and culture in our community.

Cowtown Opera’s Sara Staples as Annie Davidson

Net Promoter Score Survey

Planning & Research will conduct a Net Promoter Score (NPS) Survey from August 12–19.

A link to this survey will be posted to our website; patrons will also be prompted to complete the survey when logging into Library computers.

An NPS survey helps us gauge patron loyalty by indicating their level of enthusiasm for recommending the Library to their friends or family members. Patron loyalty is one indicator of how successful the Library is at executing our strategic goal of repositioning the Library as a relevant and essential community resource supported by all Calgarians. Specifically, loyalty is an indicator of community support for the Library.

To keep track of our NPS, including if and how it changes over time, we plan to assess it every second quarter. As we are putting the NPS survey in the field in Q3 2016, the next NPS survey will be launched in Q1 2017.

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Lori Chmara (2717) or Jacqueline Puff (2619).

Fire Truck Postcard and Bookmarks

New Engine 23 bookmarks and postcards promoting Engine 23 storytimes have been sent to all community libraries. Make sure your patrons get their postcard and bookmarks. They’re all invited to create their own Engine 23 adventure!

Book Donations

Better World Books collects and sell books online in order to donate books and fund literacy initiatives worldwide. Last year, the Library Foundation raised about $75,000 through Better World Books, processing 363,395 books, DVDs, and CDs that Calgarians dropped off at community libraries.

Raising money through Better World Books greatly reduces the amount of time it takes Library staff to process books (Foundation staff and volunteers now do this work).

Better World Books donates any unusable books to other charities, such as Feed the Children; books that are too damaged are recycled.

Update on Renovations

The renovations at Nose Hill Library are well underway. The project is in phase 2, which entails completing renovations of the bathrooms and the staff workroom. All the shelving is in place. A celebration of Nose Hill Library’s renovations is expected to take place in mid-October, but work should be complete a few weeks before that.

Village Square’s Children’s Library renovations have begun, and will be complete by September 15.

Nose Hill Library (rendering)

The Bulletin Board

2016 Globalfest Human Rights Forum

All programs take place in the John Dutton Theatre in Central Library at the dates and times noted below. For a complete listing of Globalfest activities, visit www.globalfest.ca. No registration required.

The Rule of Law in an Age of Fear

Dennis Edney, QC, legal counsel for the formerly imprisoned Omar Khadr, will deliver the keynote speech.

Monday, August 15 | 4:00-6:00 pm

The Indigenous Experience–Discussing the National Inquiry into Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls

Indigenous female leaders will discuss life before, during, and the possibilities after the Trudeau government’s new initiative.

Tuesday, August 16 | 4:00-6:00 pm

Freedom of the Press: The Local, National, & International Perspective

Mohamed Fahmy and local/regional journalists will discuss the importance and nature of international freedom of the press.

Wednesday, August 17 | 4:00-6:00 pm

The Refugee Experience: Settlement & Integration

Panelists share their perspectives and recent experiences in observing and helping refugees and/or refugee families in their transition from their home countries to new lands.

Thursday, August 18 | Noon-1:30 pm

The Refugee Experience: Finding Successes in Different Stories

A multicultural panel their experiences of immigrating and integrating into Canadian society many years after the fact.

Friday, August 19 | Noon-1:30 pm

For a detailed list of events, see page 29 of the July-August Library Connect.

Understanding Teens & Understanding Aging

Understanding Teens and Understanding Aging are two important series presented by the Library in partnership with Alberta Health Services. For full details, check the September-October Library Connect, which will be in libraries and on calgarylibrary.ca the week of August 15.