Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des
bibliothèques Position Statement on Corporate Sponsorship Agreement
in Libraries
Approved by Executive Council ~ June 21,
1997
Libraries enrich lives, provide information needed for work and daily
living, and foster informed communities which are essential to a
democratic society. In recognition of this important function,
communities support libraries through public funding. The library's
first priority is to ensure the continuation and growth of this primary
relationship -- public funding for the public good.
CLA encourages and supports advocacy to maintain and develop public
funding as the principal source of support for public, school, academic
and government libraries.
Publicly funded libraries can and do explore other sources of
funding, such as grants, gifts, donations, partnerships and
sponsorships, to ensure that they provide the best possible services to
their communities. Corporate sponsorships are one source of additional
support that allows libraries to enhance the level, extend the range, or
improve the quality of library service.
To ensure that partnerships enhance the library's image and add value
to library services, libraries need to develop policies and sponsorship
agreements that outline the conditions and the benefits of the
sponsorship arrangement.
CLA believes that the following principles are important in
developing sponsorship policies and agreements. Libraries have a
responsibility to:
-
demonstrate that sponsors further the library's mission, goals,
objectives and priorities, but do not drive the library's agenda or
priorities.
-
safeguard equity of access to library services and not allow
sponsorship agreements to give unfair advantage to, or cause
discrimination against, sectors of the community.
-
protect the principle of intellectual freedom and not permit
sponsors to influence the selection of collections, or staff advice and
recommendations about library materials, nor require endorsement of
products or services.
-
ensure the confidentiality of user records by not selling or
providing access to library records.
-
be sensitive to the local political and social climate and select
partners who will enhance the library's image in the community.
