Less than five months remain for libraries in Alberta to meet new restrictions on their collections. Some librarians are concerned about the practical implications and costs associated with complying with these regulations. The restrictions, stemming from Bill 28, require Alberta’s public libraries to limit access to materials containing visual depictions of sexual acts, such as books, graphic novels, magazines, films, TV series, and video games. These regulations mandate that individuals younger than 15 cannot access or borrow the restricted materials without parental consent.
Libraries must complete the identification of restricted items, determine storage locations, and establish access control measures by January 1. Lesley Moody, manager of the Olds Municipal Library, highlighted the complexity of the task, noting that meticulously reviewing graphic novels alone would require significant time and resources. The absence of a specific list from the government means staff must examine each book individually, a process that could entail significant labor costs.
Moody estimated that reviewing the graphic novel collection alone would necessitate around 600 hours of work, equating to $15,000 in expenses. Assessing DVDs, video games, and other illustrated materials, acquiring new shelving units, and updating policies and workflows for children’s library cards further contribute to the financial burden. While Moody’s library can manage the review without closing to the public, smaller libraries may face closure during compliance efforts due to limited staff resources.
The province plans to issue guidelines to assist libraries in adjusting their policies in response to Bill 28. Ron Sheppard, director of the Parkland Regional Library System, expressed eagerness for these guidelines, seeking clarification on various aspects, such as the application of restrictions to educational materials and the reliance on content ratings for films and video games. He also raised concerns about managing online resources and the potential impact on library operations.
Jack Alarie, press secretary for Alberta’s Municipal Affairs ministry, emphasized that the aim of Bill 28 is to prevent children from encountering explicit images in libraries, emphasizing access controls over censorship. Ken Feser, chief librarian at the Medicine Hat Public Library, expressed apprehension that the restrictions could reduce visibility of certain materials, likening it to making them disappear from public view.
The expanded scope for inspectors under Bill 28 has raised concerns among library managers about potential loss of local decision-making authority. Kelsey Chic, library manager for the Carmangay and District Municipal Library, criticized the inspection process for potentially undermining local autonomy in curating collections tailored to community needs. Chic has engaged her community through social media to raise awareness of the complexities surrounding Bill 28, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding beyond simplistic views.
James Turk, director at the Centre for Free Expression, suggested that Alberta libraries should consider a constitutional challenge against the restrictions, citing potential infringements on freedom of expression rights for young library users. He noted that the outcome in Alberta could set a precedent for libraries nationwide, prompting vigilance among librarians across Canada.
As the deadline approaches, libraries in Alberta are navigating the challenges posed by the new regulations, balancing compliance with preserving their core values of diversity and access to information.