Libraries ACT Policies
Privacy Statement
Strategic Plan
- The Libraries ACT strategic plan will be considered by Government after the completion of two processes currently underway. The first is Machinery of Government changes to which the Directorate and therefore Libraries ACT are subject. The second is an independent working group established to address current issues facing Libraries ACT and to help strengthen the reliability of future services.
- ACT Heritage Library Strategic Plan 2018-23(7.4 MB)
Libraries ACT Customer Service Charter
Libraries ACT Feedback Policy
Collections Policy
- Libraries ACT Collection Development Policy 2013-16 (474KB)
- ACT Heritage Library Collection Development Policy (365.1KB)
Collection Selection Principles and Guidelines
Collections Profiles
- View standing orders and purchasing profiles used to purchase items for collections
Conditions of Use for Public Computers and Internet Access
Community Collateral Guidelines
Public Exhibition Policy
- Public Exhibitions Policy (189KB)
- Appendix A - Public Exhibitions Application (189KB)
- Appendix B - Public Exhibitions Locations (172KB)
Partnerships
Community Room Hire Terms and Conditions
Children and Young People in the Library Policy
Membership and Loans Policy
- Libraries ACT Membership and Loans policy (233KB)
- Libraries ACT Membership and Loans policy - Part 1 (5.23MB) MP3
- Libraries ACT Membership and Loans policy - Part 2 (12.5MB) MP3
- Conditions of Membership (97.5KB)
- Conditions of Membership (3.24MB) MP3
- Conditions of Membership 2019 - Arabic (193KB)
- Conditions of Membership 2019 - Chinese (simplified) (154KB)
- Conditions of Membership 2019 - Dinka (65KB)
- Conditions of Membership 2019 - Farsi (175KB)
- Conditions of Membership 2019 - Karen (95KB)
- Conditions of Membership 2019 - Spanish (112KB)
- Conditions of Membership 2019 - Vietnamese (124KB)
Takedown Request Policy
Volunteers Policy
Libraries ACT Independent Working Group
In March 2025, an Independent Working Group was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive review of Libraries ACT services, with a focus on identifying the underlying causes of service unreliability and recommending a sustainable path forward. The final report was provided to the Minister for City and Government Services and shared with Libraries ACT staff on 30 July 2025. In response, the Head of Access Canberra has commenced a staff-led program of reform and improvement, guided by the Working Group’s recommendations and developed in close collaboration with staff and union representatives.
Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)
ALIA is the peak body for the Australian library and information sector. It provides guidance and advocacy for libraries through strategies, frameworks, standards and guidelines and more.
National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA)
NSLA is the peak body for national, state and territory libraries in Australia and New Zealand. As a member of NSLA, we are committed to the progressive implementation of NSLA's strategic directions, including:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library Services and Collections
We are guided by the Position statement: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collections and Services in NSLA Libraries.
Our policies for the management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander library services and collections are guided by national and international protocols. These protocols ensure that collections and services are accessible, appropriate and responsive to the needs and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
These protocols and policy frameworks include:
- The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library, Information and Resource Network (ATSILIRN) Protocols for Libraries, Archives and Information Services
- The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- The National and State Libraries Australia: Guidelines for Working with Community
- The National and State Libraries Australia: Position statement: Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)
Copyright
- Position statement on copyright
- Position statement on reasonably diligent search for orphan works
- Position statement on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)
- Position statement on moral rights for staff and volunteers
- Position statement on self-copying of copyrighted collection materials
- Position statement on public domain works
- Position statement on Creative Commons
- Procedural guidelines for taking down
- Procedural guidelines for reasonably diligent search for orphan works