Introduction
To create a sustainable model for BCLA to deliver high-quality professional development opportunities throughout the year, registration fees are required for webinars and events. We are able to offer some events free of charge thanks to grants or partnerships.
Our vision is a more equitable model that can better accommodate those from smaller or rural libraries, or those who are experiencing different financial capacities that may otherwise prevent them from attending. As a result, we are offering a limited number of registrations for any paid event at an equity price, based on self assessment.
We offer a discounted rate for BCLA members; students and new grads who meet eligibility requirements are invited to become BCLA members at no cost. Please visit the membership FAQ page for details.
60-90 minutes sessions registration cost:
- BCLA Member Standard Rate: $25.00
- Non-Member Standard Rate: $35.00
- Equity Rate: $5
*These rates may be adjusted annually to reflect inflation and cost of living.
Established February 2024
What is Equity Pricing?
Equity pricing recognizes that we do not all start out on an equal playing field when it comes to money, and that it is okay to not have a lot of money and it is okay to be wealthy. We have provided “Reflections Before Paying” below to help you determine which rate you should select. Please self assess what rate you should use based on your responses to these questions.
We anticipate that individuals who can pay with relative ease and no hardship will reflect and be aware of their position and choose to pay the standard rate. Since there are a limited number of Equity rate spaces for each event, if you use one even if you don’t actually need it, you are taking the chance to attend away from someone else.
We encourage you to choose the Equity Rate if the standard rates jeopardize your ability to meet your basic needs or would otherwise dissuade you from attending. We also invite individuals who identify as being historically marginalized or oppressed where financial equity has never been fair to select the Equity Rate, if they choose to.
Reflections Before Paying
If you are paying from your personal funds, ask yourself:
- Do I have difficulty meeting my basic needs for food and/or shelter?
- What safety-nets, privileges, and security do I have? (ie. family support, assets, investments, retirement funds, inheritance, trust fund)
- Am I in debt? Can I afford the debt that I am in?
- What is my gross annual income?
- If I have discretionary money, how do I currently choose to spend it?
- What is my relationship to how I choose to spend my money?
If you are paying with institutional funds:
If your organization is on this list you are eligible for equity pricing. If you feel your institution should be on this list, please contact us.
Thank you for considering your financial situation and supporting this equity-based approach. We look forward to your attendance at our next webinar or event!
BCLA is piloting this approach and may adjust or make changes as we go. If you have feedback, please feel free to share it with us.
References:
- “Equity and Pricing,” Cascadia Quest, 2016.
- “Public Program Rates,” Anti-Oppression Resource and Training Alliance (AORTA), 2023.