Created in 1997, The Alberta Library (TAL) is a not-for-profit consortium of over 290 public, post-secondary, special, government and regional libraries that works to promote access to information for Albertans. Member libraries work together to take advantage of changing technologies, find solutions and seize new opportunities.
TAL administers the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network (APLEN) (funded through Alberta Municipal Affairs), the Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library (LHCADL) (funded through Alberta Advanced Education and Technology) and the Online Reference Centre (ORC) (funded through Alberta Education).
TAL provides a variety of services to (or through) its members, including:
Launched in October 2008, the Books and beyond public library campaign promotes the variety of resources available at Alberta's public libraries. Featuring primarily 15-second TV and radio spots and online ads, the Books and beyond campaign features scenarios that show people using not only books but CDs, DVDs, the Internet and library programs for everything from climbing Mount Everest to roasting poultry. Each scenario comes with a twist.
The Alberta Library received the 2009 International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions International Library Marketing Award for the 2008 Books and beyond campaign.
American cable broadcaster TBS also featured two Books and beyond TV spots among the funniest ads from around the world (search the ads at www.veryfunnyads.com).