The name given to a Library facility, space, program, or collection is important, as that name reflects the facility, and Halifax Public Libraries. Due to the high-profile nature of public buildings such as libraries, diligence and discretion must be exercised in their naming.
This policy establishes a fair, objective, and consistent procedure for formally naming or re-naming Halifax Public Libraries (The Library) facilities, spaces, or collections and is based on the objective of aiding the public to identify and locate branches by giving clear names.
Approval:
The Halifax Regional Library Board is responsible for the naming of Library branches and buildings. Halifax Public Libraries has responsibility for the naming of spaces, programs and collections.
The Board reserves the right to revoke a naming decision if it constitutes a significant and continuing impairment to the Library’s reputation.
Naming of assets does not relinquish any aspect of the Library’s right to manage and control any of its assets. Each proposal for naming will be considered on its own merit.
The naming of Library building, spaces, programs and collections will be in place for a specified number of years. Should a building be replaced or substantially renovated, or the use of an area redesignated, the renaming of the building or space may be considered. Renaming will be subject to any terms and conditions set out in any gift agreement related to the prior naming opportunity. The Library may also decide to discontinue the use of a discrete collection in situations where it is no longer practical to maintain such collections.
Naming Criteria for Library Buildings, Spaces, Programs or Collections:
Priorities to be considered in naming Library buildings, spaces, programs or collections will be as follows:
Places and Feature Names
The following criteria will be used in evaluating the use of places or feature names:
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- Recognizable area or neighbourhood features, names that aid in locating a Library building, space, program, or collection are acceptable. If the facility is co-located with municipal facilities, the Library need not share the same name. E.g. Dartmouth North Library located in the Dartmouth North Community Centre.
- Natural Features. Natural and geographic features, such as waterfalls, bodies of water and terrain.
- Horticultural Features. Horticultural features or characteristics of a certain area such as marsh lands or flowers to the area.
Historic Names
Names of historic events, groups, or organizations that had a positive and significant local, regional, or national impact. Special consideration may be given to events, groups, or organizations celebrating local history.
Individuals – Honorific Naming & Naming Opportunity with a Gift Involved
Great care will be taken when considering honorific naming of Library assets. In order to inspire present and future generations by the achievements of individuals who have made exemplary and longstanding contributions to the Library, the Board supports, in special circumstances, the practice of honorific naming of the entirety of a Library building, parts of a Library spaces, programs or collections.
Normally, honorific namings will be considered only for individuals who are no longer active in their field of expertise or deceased. Where appropriate, a written consent shall be obtained from each individual or estate associated with an honorific naming.
In judging the suitability of an honourific naming, the following will be considered:
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- the significance and longevity of the honouree’s contributions to the Library
- alignment with the Library’s values
- the reputation and integrity of the honoree
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It is not the intention that Library buildings, spaces, programs or collections be named after living persons. However, assets may be named after living persons, or groups and organizations only after a thorough study has been completed relative to the individual or organization’s background.
Honourific naming of the entirety of a Library building, parts of a Library space, programs or collections will be in place for a specified number of years.
Honourific namings can be renewed at the discretion of the Board. If, at any time following the approval of a naming opportunity, circumstances change substantially such that the continued use of a particular name may compromise the reputation, the Library Board has the authority to withdraw the naming opportunity. Any naming/gift agreement will contain a clause that reflects this.
The Library may consider naming buildings, spaces, programs, and collections after a donor/sponsor in recognition of significant financial gifts, or gifts in kind, to the Library. The gift shall constitute a significant portion of the total cost of the building, space, program, or collection to be named – either the funding of the total cost of the project, or providing a substantial proportion of the required funding for the project. The use of any corporate name will require Board approval in order to avoid the appearance of commercial influence or conflict of interest.
Halifax Public Libraries ascribes to the Fundraising Code of Ethics as defined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and follows CRA guidelines in the negotiation and acceptable of all gifts.
Renaming of Library Buildings, Spaces, Programs or Collections
Proposals to rename any Library building, space, program or collection will adhere to the criteria outlined in this policy. In addition, the following applies:
- New naming opportunities may arise when a facility is redeveloped or renovated and will be used for a different purpose. Renaming however, is dependent on the nature of the conditions contained in the previous naming agreement.
- When renaming does occur, and the original naming opportunity was after an individual, all reasonable effort will be made to inform, in advance, the original donor or honoree and/or their immediate family.
Pre-Existing Naming / Gift Agreements
This policy does not apply to any arrangements that are in existence at the date the policy is adopted.
Signage
Approval for all recognition signage will be authorized by the CEO and Chief Librarian in accordance with any such protocols and policies in place, and signage will be consistent with Halifax Public Libraries’ signage standards.
March 2024