Programming Expectation

Updated: January 2, 2022

As a trusted community partner, the UAPL is committed to programming that fosters  learning through reliable information and quality entertainment.

Ultimate responsibility for programming rests with the Library Director, who in turn,  delegates program management responsibility to the Assistant Director and the  Programming Committee which includes staff members from different departments and  branches.

In developing and delivering programs, the Program Committee utilizes staff expertise,  collections, equipment, and facilities. The following criteria are used in making decisions  about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:

• Community needs and interests
• Cultural or educational significance
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Relation to the UA community and library resources, programs, exhibits and  events
• Presentation quality
• Presenter background/qualifications in content area
• Budget, cost of program, staff time and availability.
• Availability of appropriate space required for program, in-house or off-site

Most Library programs are funded by UAPL’s Friends of the Library. Library staff  members who present programs do so as a part of their job. The Library also contracts  with outside presenters, and additional paperwork may be necessary, including proof of  insurance and/or City permits. Programmers who wish to pursue grant opportunities for  Library programs must consult first with the Fiscal Office prior to applying for any grant.

In addition, the Library draws upon community resources in developing programs and  attempts to partner with other community organizations, educational and cultural  institutions or individuals to present and/or co-sponsor programs. The Library may also  utilize various grants to support program offerings. Acknowledgement of sponsoring  organizations or businesses may appear in program flyers and other promotional  materials.

Library programs are typically presented at one of the library branches, but in special  cases, the Library may opt to utilize a community space that better suits the needs of  the program.

Library programs are free to the public, though in some cases it may be necessary to  charge a supply fee to cover materials costs that are not covered by our budget,  particularly in the case of a program when the participant will keep the finished product.

The Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to library  programming. Library sponsorship of a program does not necessarily constitute an  endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by  participants. Likewise, program topics, speakers and resources are not excluded from  programs because of possible controversy.

The Library does not offer programs of a purely commercial nature. Library programs  must have a special educational, informational, or cultural value to the community.  Examples of programs that would be considered of a commercial nature include, but are  not limited to, presentations offered for free but with the intention of soliciting future  business. Authors and performers that meet our selection criteria may be allowed to  make their books or recordings that relate to their presentation available for sale.

The Library does not offer programs that support or oppose any political candidate or  ballot measure. However, election information, such as candidates’ forums that include  invitations to all recognized candidates, may be offered. Because it is not consistent  with passive distribution and the UAPL’s no solicitation policy, materials asking for  library visitors to sign a petition or letter are not permitted at candidates’ forums or other  library programs.

The Library does not offer programs that support or oppose a specific religious  conviction or social agenda. Holiday programs may be offered and the library will try to  reflect the cultural diversity of the community.

Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend a program.  However, when safety or the success of a program requires it, attendance may be  limited by number or to a certain age group. When limits must be established,  attendance will be determined on a first come, first served basis, either with advanced  registration or at the door. Those arriving late to a program that is in progress may not  be guaranteed seating even if they had registered. UAPL’s Standards for Patron Conduct is enforced during all programs and adult supervision is require at all programs  involving youth (unless explicitly stated otherwise), in accordance with UAPL’s  Youth Safety Procedures.

The Library provides accommodations by request for patrons with disabilities to attend  programs. The Friends Theater is equipped with Hearing Loop technology for use by  those with hearing aids or cochlear implants.

The Library monitors public safety and health measures. Safety measures may require  changes to a program at the discretion of the Library.

From time to time, program participants may be surveyed to measure the success of  Library programming and gather input about community interests.

Program participants should expect that photographs/video may be taken at events and  used in library promotional materials including online sites. Participants may request in  writing that their image may not be used by the Library.

Anyone interested in presenting a library program must first submit a proposal that will  be reviewed according to the above criteria. A form for the proposal and specific  guidelines may be found on the library’s website.