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Saskatchewan libraries play an essential role in the educational, recreational and cultural lives of the province. They provide excellent service, engage in cooperative practices and utilize the latest technological advances to meet the needs of their patrons.
Post-secondary education libraries in Saskatchewan include the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan libraries, community college and vocational institute libraries, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic which has campuses in major centers across Saskatchewan.
Each regional library consists of a large geographical area with a substantial population and represents a group of cities, towns, villages and rural municipalities that have joined together to deliver library services.
The regional library board elects an executive committee of 9 -12 members. Their responsibilities include:
The Prince Albert Public Library, Regina Public Library, and Saskatoon Public Library provide material and library services in urban centers.
The northern library system, Pahkisimon Nuye?áh Library System, is a federation of 11 northern community public libraries and has the legislated mandate to act as the central library for northern Saskatchewan. It acts as the coordinating agency for all school, regional college, public and special libraries.
School Libraries
Special Libraries
Special libraries contain specialized collections in specific subject areas and are often affiliated with both non-profit and for-profit commercial organizations. There are many special libraries in Saskatchewan, which play a cooperative role in the provincial library system and in MLB initiatives.
Multitype Initiatives
The MLB facilitates co-operation among all libraries in Saskatchewan in matters relating to the development of library services. It provides a forum for appointed representatives from all types of libraries in the province, including, public, academic, school and special libraries, to discuss library cooperation.
Provincial Library and Literacy Office
The mission of the Saskatchewan Provincial Library and Literacy Office (PLLO) is "Strengthening libraries to ensure equitable access to global information, resources and library services for all Saskatchewan residents", and it is through The Public Libraries Act, 1996, that it is entrusted to co-ordinate and support the province-wide library system.
The PLLO mission statement is to "work co-operatively with all libraries and communities to secure equitable access to library resources, information and services for Saskatchewan people" and it administers The Libraries Co-operation Act which encourages co-operation and resource-sharing among all libraries throughout the province to benefit Saskatchewan people.
The operating principles of PLLO are that "the needs of the library user are fundamental in the design of policy, procedures, and services; think globally, search locally: libraries rely on each level within the system - local, regional, provincial, national, international - adhering to recognized standards; our work is based on professional practices and standards; and technology is utilized to improve the effectiveness of library services."
Resources
Archer, John H. Saskatchewan, a history. Saskatoon: Western Producer Prairie Books, 1998.
Bocking, D.H. Saskatchewan, a pictorial history. Saskatoon: Western Producer Prairie Books, 1979.
Nilson, Ralph. Discover Saskatchewan: a guide to historic sites. Regina: Canadian Plains Research Center, 1998.
Smith, David E. Building a Province: a history of Saskatchewan in documents. Saskatoon: Fifth House, 1992.
Saskatchewan Public Library System.
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/library-system-in-saskatchewan
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