We’re excited to announce that the 2024 Provincial Wage and Benefit Survey, conducted in collaboration with all seven regional library systems in Alberta, is now complete! In March 2024, member public libraries were invited to participate in a confidential online compensation survey based on their 2023 fiscal year, resulting in a total of 269 responses.
Our goal, through the Salary Survey Committee and with input from staff representatives from each Regional Library System, was to gather data that would benefit libraries, librarians, and the communities they serve. The results are reported by service population, making them relevant and meaningful for libraries of all sizes.
We ensured the data was aggregated to protect the identities of individual respondents and libraries. The findings provide a snapshot of wages and other compensation forms, such as health and pension benefits and vacation allotments, for common positions across public libraries.
To enhance the report’s value, we included comparison data from municipal compensation sources, which many member libraries requested. Each library system has access to the full municipal data, and member libraries can request further details from their system representatives.
The survey results will enable libraries to benchmark salaries and benefits against similar locations, aiding Library Boards and Managers in budget planning to ensure competitive wages that attract and retain talented staff.
Access to province-wide wage data will also empower library staff with crucial insights for salary negotiations, allowing them to advocate for fair and equitable compensation based on broader wage trends.
As you review wages and compensation at your own library, consider comparing them to local nonprofit organizations to see if your offerings align with community standards and the cost of living. Salary ranges for publicly funded organizations are typically available online or through a FOIP request, which can inform your future budget planning.