Public libraries in Canada: an overview

Abstract

Purpose

This overview aims to compile information pertaining to Canadian public libraries in the areas of legislation, structure, governance, and funding models, and briefly describes issues common to public libraries across the country.

Design/methodology/approach

Information was gathered by consulting the most recent versions of provincial and territorial legislation that govern public libraries, as well as by referring to various web sites at the provincial, territorial, and national level. After a general overview of public libraries in Canada, this paper provides individual examination of each province and territory.

Findings

Many commonalities and some differences exist across most provinces and territories in Canada with regard to public libraries in terms of legislation, structure, governance, and funding models.

Originality/value

This paper brings together in one document comparable information about how public libraries are structured, governed, and funded across Canada.

Citation

Wilson, V. (2008), "Public libraries in Canada: an overview", Library Management, Vol. 29 No. 6/7, pp. 556-570. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120810894554