SUMMARY Describes the purpose and parameters of various aspects of programming within the Johnson County Library. Effective Date: July 12, 2012 Reviewed: October 4, 2017 October 27, 2021 PROGRAMMING POLICY a. Johnson County Library provides programming for the community as a part of its role in promoting lifelong learning and library use. Benefits 1. Library programming provides information and/or encouragement for the use of materials in the library’s collection. 2. It also creates an environment for people to learn, to explore, to enjoy, to create, and to connect. YOUTH SERVICES b. Programming is an essential function to youth and teens conveying excitement about reading, writing and authorship, about research and problem solving, critical thinking, and social development, about exploring the world around them and about libraries. Youth Services programming supports life-long use of the Library, encourages involvement of parents with their children, provides outreach to schools, childcare facilities and other community agencies, and introduces children and their caregivers to a wide range of formats, materials and information. LITERACY c. The Library actively supports literacy programming because of the immediate personal, social and economic importance of a literate citizenry. Johnson County Library cooperates with community literacy programs to facilitate teaching efforts. ADULT SERVICES d. Programs for adults are provided as lifelong learning opportunities focusing on books and authors, business, civic engagement and topics of local interest, as well as societal and cultural issues. INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM e. Library initiated programs are provided as a community resource, under the same policies of free and open access to information and ideas for all users that govern access to library materials. Johnson County Library subscribes to the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS, which states in Article 2 that library resources "should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval." This policy applies to the contents of library-initiated programs and the views expressed by the participants. Library Disclaimer 1. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by the participants. Topics, speakers, and resource materials are not excluded from library initiated programs because of possible controversy, and concerns about programs are handled under the same written policy and procedures which govern reconsideration of other library resources. Library initiated programs are open to all, without regard to origin, age, background, or views. COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT f. Programming shall be provided so that individuals with disabilities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act can participate in and/or derive benefit from them, provided that accommodation does not result in a fundamental alteration of the service or constitute an undue burden on the Library. The Library will provide programming that permits maximum integration and independent function for qualified individuals. Requests for interpretative services or other accommodations should be made at least forty-eight hours in advance of the scheduled event. COOPERATIVE EFFORTS g. Co-sponsorship with community institutions is encouraged. Staff may present programs in other facilities with other agencies. Hosting traveling exhibits or outside-developed programs, supplemented with Library displays and publicity, is encouraged. EVALUATION h. Johnson County Library programming efforts are evaluated to ensure the appropriate use of public resources. October 27, 2021 ARM 20-60-10 End ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS TAB: Patron Services DOCUMENT NUMBER: 20-60-10 SECTION: Programming SUBJECT: PROGRAMMING POLICY