Southern Ontario Library Service


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French Languages Services Policy

April 28, 2005

In June 2004 SOLS confirmed that it is not subject to the French Language Services Act. Based on the general intent of the Act, SOLS has developed five priorities, in order of importance, for providing services in French to individuals.

SOLS will provide services and resources in French based on available resources, current strategic priorities and according to the following five priorities.

1) Where there is a direct or close relationship to serving the needs of library users. Examples of services in this category are:

French patron-initiated inter-library loan requests using VDX directly from their local branches,

TD Summer Reading program.

2) Where there is a cultural need for specialized services. Examples of services in this category are:

Support materials that are language-specific (e.g., EXCEL Collection Development course materials, workshop bibliographies, clearinghouse resources including Centre global d’information and Cybersites for Children);

Workshops or clinics specifically tailored to French clientele (e.g., Collection Development);

Information and advice and French resources to Francophone libraries.

3) Where there is a need to alert people or to gain commitment or buy-in for services SOLS considers critical. Example of a service in this category is:

Time-sensitive information (e.g., grant opportunities for libraries);

Articles, manuals that SOLS considers to be of benefit

4) Where there is an actual language barrier experienced by library trustees or staff. There is an emphasis here on material to help staff and trustees do their jobs better. Examples of services in this category are:

French VDX Helpdesk services;

French library networking committees;

Offering special workshops in French (e.g., Customer Service, Strategic Hiring);

Training and Development opportunities for French library staff and trustees( e.g. EXCEL program, workshops and clinics)

Publications or excerpts of publications (e.g. performance evaluation section of the Library Development Guide Coaching for Service and Success.

5) Where we want to send a message of inclusiveness to our Francophone clients. Examples of services in this category are:

First level of service help in French to library personnel via SOLS 1-800 number, and re-direction to French-speaking staff member;

Written communications between SOLS and client libraries to be sent in preferred language;

Library Development Guides in French to support workshops or clinics;

Corporate documents especially if they are long-term such as SOLS Strategic Plan.