Policy on Library Programs

Siouxland Libraries hosts a variety of free programs year-round for people of all ages. Some programs take place at our library branches while others happen at offsite venues. Would you like to be involved with the library's program offerings?

If you have a program you would like to present at Siouxland Libraries, please fill out our Present a Library Program form and send it to libprograms@siouxfalls.gov.

If you would like to host a library event at your business or organization, please fill out our Host a Library Program form and send it to libprograms@siouxfalls.gov.

Proposals will be reviewed by library management, and staff will inform you of the decision regarding your application. Please know that we will not be able to accommodate all program proposals.

Siouxland Libraries Program Policy

Siouxland Libraries supports its mission of connecting people to a world of information and ideas to enrich their lives by developing and presenting programs that provide additional opportunities for information, learning and entertainment. Programming is an integral component of library service that:

  • Expands the library’s role as a community resource
  • Introduces customers and non-users to library resources
  • Provides opportunities for lifelong learning
  • Provides entertainment
  • Expands the visibility of the library

Responsibility

Ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Director of Siouxland Libraries, who administers under the authority of the Library Board of Trustees. The Director, in turn, delegates the authority for program management to the Assistant Director, who oversees this responsibility through the Program Librarians and designated staff.

The Program Librarians utilize library staff expertise, collections, services and facilities in developing and delivering programming. The Library’s staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers and accompanying resources:

  • Alignment with the Library’s mission and goals
  • Relevance to community needs, interests, and issues
  • Budget, staffing, and program space availability
  • Presentation quality
  • Presenter background/qualifications in content area
  • Treatment of content for intended audience
  • Historical or educational significance
  • Connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
  • Relation to library collection, resources, exhibits and programs

In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing programs and actively partners with other community agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. Professional performers and presenters that reflect specialized or unique expertise may be hired for programs; performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, background, or views, or because of possible controversy.  Library staff who present the programs do so as part of their regular job and are not hired as outside contractors for programming. Anyone interested in presenting a library program may submit a Program Proposal Form that will be reviewed according to the above criteria.

General Guidelines

All library programs are open to the public. The Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas for everyone extends to library programming.  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 may be required for planning purposes or when space and resources are limited.  Age requirements for attendance at programs targeted to specific age groups may be imposed. Programs may be held at any Library location or off site.  Any sales of products at programs must be approved by the Library Director. Programs are not used for commercial, religious, or partisan purposes or the solicitation of business.

The Library may publicize programs under its sponsorship.  In the case of cooperative publicity for co-sponsored programs, final copy must be approved before the inclusion of the library’s name or logo.  The Library reserves the right to use video or photographs taken of program participants for internal use, publication, and use in library promotional outlets, and for evaluation purposes.

Reconsideration of Programs

The Library welcomes expressions of opinion from customers concerning programming. If customers question a library program, they should first address the concern with a Library manager. Customers who wish to continue their request for review of Library programs may submit a Statement of Concern form. Requests for review of programs will be considered in the same manner as requests for review of library materials as outlined in the Library’s Collection Development Policy.

 

Effective: February 2, 2020.  Approved by the Library Board of Trustees on January 8, 2020.

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