Policy balances revenue potential and impact on public space
TORONTO (Tuesday, February 28, 2012) – The Toronto Public Library Board met last evening at Toronto Reference Library.
Highlights of February 28 meeting of the Board:
The Toronto Public Library Board approved an Advertising Policy which provides a framework regarding advertising on Toronto Public Library property, and the processes by which advertising is to be managed, approved and/or appealed. The Policy balances the Library’s primary public service role – to provide high quality library service to Toronto’s diverse residents in a welcoming and supportive environment – with the potential for advertising as a source of revenue for the Library. As part of the policy, the Board approved an advertising review process to deal with complaints and appeals concerning advertising.
The advertising plan will be implemented in two phases. Phase 1 will expand the current What’s On publication advertising program and implement advertising on the reverse side of Library date due slips. In Phase 2, the Library will contract an external advertising and media consultant to assess all Library channels and vehicles for their appropriateness and financial viability for an advertising program, and make recommendations to the Library on how best to proceed to maximize revenue and minimize impacts to the delivery of core library services.
Lobbying Disclosure Policy Approved
The Library Board approved a Lobbying Disclosure Policy for its Members which requires Board members to disclose when they have been subjected to lobbying and also requires the publishing of this information on the Library website. The policy supports transparency and open practices, and is cost effective.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Library Board is scheduled for April 2, 2012 at 6:00 pm at Toronto Reference Library.
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow over 33 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
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Media Contact:
Anne Marie Aikins 416-393-7212