Less than five months are left for libraries in Alberta to meet a deadline for adhering to new regulations on their collections. However, some librarians are uncertain about how the rules will be enforced due to the extensive work and potential costs involved.
The new restrictions, stemming from Bill 28, mandate Alberta’s public libraries to limit access to materials like books, graphic novels, magazines, films, TV series, and video games that depict sexual acts visually. Individuals under 15 years old are barred from utilizing or borrowing these newly restricted materials without parental consent.
Libraries have until January 1 to determine which items to restrict, where to store them, and how to control access. Lesley Moody, manager of the Olds Municipal Library, highlighted the complexity of the task, mentioning the need to meticulously review each book, especially in the graphic novel collection.
Moody estimated that around 600 hours, equivalent to $15,000 in labor costs, would be required for her staff to assess the graphic novels alone. This cost is expected to escalate when evaluating DVDs, video games, and other image-containing materials, purchasing new shelving units, and establishing new procedures for library cards for kids and parental permissions.
While Moody expressed confidence in her team’s ability to manage the review without closing to the public, smaller libraries may face closure during the compliance phase. The province is anticipated to issue guidelines this month to help libraries adapt or create policies in response to Bill 28, addressing concerns like the application of restrictions to educational materials and reliance on ratings systems for films and video games.
The bill also grants expanded powers for inspectors to probe library management matters, but the inspection process details remain unclear. Despite assurances that inspections aim to rectify issues rather than penalize, library managers like Kelsey Chic from the Carmangay and District Municipal Library worry about potential interference in local decision-making.
Critics, including James Turk from the Centre for Free Expression, argue that the restrictions could infringe on freedom of expression rights for young library users. Regardless of potential pushback, the outcomes in Alberta are closely monitored by librarians nationwide, anticipating similar legislation elsewhere if successful.