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School library standards engagement

Albertans provided input on potential new standards for how Kindergarten to Grade 12 school library materials are selected and managed.

Overview

We have gathered input on potential new standards in selecting and managing materials that include sexual content in K to 12 school libraries. 

Currently, Alberta school boards are responsible for making decisions about materials available in school libraries. While government provides voluntary guidelines for learning and teaching resources, there are no provincewide standards to guide boards.

Creating provincewide standards would increase transparency for parents and provide consistency for school boards.

Status

  • Open

  • Results under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

Ministry of Education and Childcare

Get informed

While many school boards already have policies that address school library materials, potential new requirements would be consistent across the province, applying to public, separate, francophone, public charter and independent schools.

A new standard would not affect materials in Alberta public libraries, including 55 municipal public libraries located in schools.

Input received

Respondents shared feedback on what they believe is acceptable for school library collections through an online survey from May 26 to June 6, 2025. 

Outcomes

Input will help to inform new standards for the selection and management of Kindergarten to Grade 12 school library materials. New standards could be introduced by late spring, 2025.

Resources

  • Reference material: Examples of Sexual Content in School Libraries
    Content warning: this document contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some viewers and is not appropriate for young viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

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