INTRODUCTION

The Fraser Valley Regional Library Board welcomes the appearance of this
White Paper and the opportunity to respond to its proposals.

In considering its response the Board has studied the White Paper, the earlier
document "Public Library Legislation" - a proposal for public review and its
response to that document. The Board is pleased to note that many of the
proposals that it found unacceptable in that document have either been
dropped or revised for the White Paper.

While the Board will be expressing concerns over many items in the White
Paper it is pleased to note three very positive features of the White Paper in
general. Firstly, the use of plain language throughout the document gives for
the most part, clear meaning and understanding to the proposed legislation.
Secondly, the fact that regulations will be proclaimed as part of the Act will
make it more specific and workable. Most notable is the way in which many
basic provisions of the legislation have been standardized for all types of
libraries, making the Act more workable and bringing more unity to cur
different public library service models.