Purpose
The Library supports its mission to foster literacy and lifelong learning, inspire creativity, and strengthen community by developing and presenting programs that provide opportunities for information, learning, and creating interpersonal connections. Programming is an integral component of library service that:
- Expands the Library’s role as a community resource
- Introduces patrons and non-users to Library resources
- Provides entertainment
- Provides opportunities for lifelong learning
- Expands the visibility of the library
Program Selection and Design
Ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Director of Library Services who administers under the authority of the Library Board. The Director of Library Services, in turn, delegates the authority for program management to the Library Services Managers, who oversee this responsibility through designated staff.
Teton County Library utilizes staff expertise, collections, services, and facilities in developing and delivering programming. Library staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:
- Community needs and interests
- Availability of program space
- Treatment of content for intended audience
- Presentation quality
- Presenter background/qualifications in content area
- Budget
- Relevance to community interests and issues
- Historical or educational significance
- Connection to other community programs, exhibitions, or events
- Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits and programs
- Alignment with Strategic Direction's Priorities and Goals
In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing programs and actively partners with other government agencies, educational and cultural organizations, and individuals in the community to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. Performers and presenters that reflect specialized or unique expertise may be retained for Library programs.
Program Guidelines
- Teton County Library supports free and open access to information and ideas as stated in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to View statements of the American Library Association.
- Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants, and program topics, speakers and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy.
- Registration to attend a library program may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited. Programs may be held on library premises or off site.
- Programs are not used for commercial, religious, or partisan purposes or for the solicitation of business. Any sales of products at Library programs must be approved by the Director of Library Services.
- Programs may be cancelled due to reasons including, but not limited to weather, low registration, or absence of the presenter. Cancelled programs are not necessarily rescheduled.
- Co-sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants. Co-sponsorship is defined as the library working with another government agency, community organization, presenter, or business to provide a program for library patrons. Government agencies, businesses, or organizations that participate in co-sponsoring a library program receive acknowledgement in library communications. External organizations or individuals partnering with the Library on programs must coordinate marketing efforts with the Library’s Communications Coordinator.
- For most programs, evaluation forms are to be distributed to the participants so that staff may know what has been successful and receive ideas for new programs from patrons. Recurring programs such as story times, book discussions, and regularly scheduled programs with repeat attendees should receive a program evaluation at least once a year.
- The Library welcomes expressions of opinion concerning programming from Teton County Library cardholders. If a program participant has a concern about or an objection to a library program, they should first address the concern with a Library staff member. Those who wish to continue their request for review of Library programs must submit a Request for Reconsideration form. Requests for review of a program will be considered in the same manner as requests for reconsideration of library materials as outlined in the Library's Intellectual Freedom Policy and Request for Reconsideration Procedure.