Who We Are

The Provincial Library leads and supports Nova Scotia’s public libraries, ensuring they remain vibrant and deliver innovative and sustainable services for Nova Scotians. This includes providing centralized services for libraries, facilitating resource sharing and collaboration, and acting as a liaison between library leaders and the Province of Nova Scotia.

As the government agency responsible for the legislated oversight and coordination of public library services in Nova Scotia, the Provincial Library operates under the Libraries Act and its Regulations.

 

The role of the Provincial Library

In serving Nova Scotia’s public libraries, the work of the Provincial Library is driven by four key roles.

Support

The Provincial Library provides centralized services that are essential for the daily operation of libraries in the province. From managing the core computer system to maintaining a central catalogue of library resources, these technical and support services connect libraries and enable resource sharing.  Many rural libraries for example, could not afford to maintain such services on their own. The Provincial Library’s centralized services ensure libraries are able to provide a consistent, high-quality library experience regardless of size, means or location.

Leadership

The Provincial Library works with Nova Scotia’s libraries and regional library boards, providing overall leadership in the delivery of library services and the ongoing development of libraries. This role includes:

  • Representing Nova Scotia’s public libraries provincially and nationally within and outside of government to address issues and develop opportunities
  • Promoting public awareness of library services and a high profile for libraries
  • Facilitating a variety of working groups focused on the development of key areas such as readers’ services, children’s services, library awareness and technology
  • Administration of fair and equitable distribution of provincial funding to public libraries
  • Consulting on the provision of universal library access for the visually impaired and those with print disabilities
  • Developing library research, reviews and reports including the Nova Scotia Public Libraries Annual Report
  • Co-leading the Libraries Nova Scotia network, a collaboration of all Nova Scotia university, college and public libraries, in the development of province-wide programs such as Borrow Anywhere, Return Anywhere and One Book Nova Scotia
  • Serving on national committees such as the Provincial and Territorial Public Libraries Council

Collaboration

The Provincial Library brings Nova Scotia’s many libraries together and helps them work collaboratively. By working together, libraries can take advantage of benefits such as bulk purchasing, resource sharing and access to expertise and technology that would not be possible individually.

Collaboration also enables the delivery of province-wide programs or initiatives that reach library users throughout Nova Scotia. The Provincial Library works with community partners and coordinates with libraries to develop and deliver these programs.

Innovation

Though times and technology may change, the importance of libraries to citizens and communities remains constant. As the needs of Nova Scotians evolve, the services of libraries must continue to evolve with them. The Provincial Library works to advance library services through the introduction of new products, resources and technology that help libraries deliver up-to-date services throughout the province.

Documents

The Provincial Library creates two documents on an annual basis; our Annual Report and the “Check Us Out” English [PDF 345KB] | French [PDF 349KB] quick guide to Nova Scotia’s public libraries.

Annual Reports:

Report of the Library Funding Task Force

The Report of the Library Funding Task Force describes the work and recommendations of the Library Funding Task Force, mandated by the Province of Nova Scotia to propose a multi-year funding plan to be incorporated into a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The task force’s work included a review of core public library business, an updating of provincial library standards, and the identification and development of a new funding formula and grant disbursement model. Report of the Library Funding Task Force [PDF 5MB]