CAPL Blog

Libraries and Social Responsibility: A National Conversation - more pre-reading

2010-05-25T11:50:00.001-07:00

We hope that you are finding a few moments to read these posts. The pre readings are intended to get us thinking beyond the conventional. To start challenging assumptions and to create a foundation upon which we can start talking about the broader social context within which libraries exist. It is our hope that these ideas will give you a way to start thinking about our big question for June 2^nd ?

How can libraries support community progress and contribute to society’s ability to thrive?

“When information is brushed up against information, the results are startling and effective.”

Marshall McLuhan

See you in 9 days.

Blythe, Jason, Nancy

Libraries and Social Responsibility: A National Conversation, more pre-session reading

2010-05-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

Also from The Educated Imagination pg. 92 -93

“…I don’t see how the study of language and literature can be separated from the question of free speech, which we all know is fundamental to our society. The area of ordinary speech, as I see it, is a battleground between two forms of social speech, the speech of a mob and the speech of a free society. One stands for cliché, ready-made idea and automatic babble, and it leads us inevitably from illusion into hysteria. There can be no free speech in a mob: free speech is one thing a mob can’t stand. You notice that the people who allow their fear of Communism to become hysterical eventually get to screaming that every sane man they see is a Communist. Free speech, again, has nothing to do with grousing or saying that the country’s in a mess and that all politicians are liars and cheats, and so on and so on. Grousing never gets any further than clichés of this kind, and the sort of vague cynicism they express is the attitude of somebody who’s looking for a mob to join.

You see, freedom has nothing to do with lack of training; it can only be the product of training. You’re not free to play the piano unless you practise. Nobody is capable of free speech unless he knows how to use the language, and such knowledge is not a gift: it has to be learned and worked at. The only exceptions, and they are exceptions that prove the rule, are people who, in some crisis, show that they have a social imagination strong and mature enough to stand out against a mob. In the recent row over desegregation in New Orleans, there was one mother who gave her reasons for sending her children to an integrated school with such dignity and precision that the reporters couldn’t understand how a woman who never got past grade six learned to talk like the Declaration of Independence. Such people already have what literature tries to give. For most of us, free speech is cultivated speech, but cultivating speech is not just a skill, like playing chess. You can’t cultivate speech, beyond a certain point, unless you have something to say, and the basis of what you have to say is your vision of society…”

See you in 12 days

Blythe, Jason, Nancy

Libraries and Social Responsibility: A National Conversation - Background Reading

2010-05-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post we will be sharing some pre-readings leading up to the conference that will provide some context for our conversation on June 2^nd. The following is an excerpt from The Educated Imagination, Indiana University Press; 1964. While the excerpt is short in length it is much longer in contemplation especially when considering the role of libraries in educating the imagination?

See you 13 days.

Blythe, Jason, Nancy

Northrop Frye

1912 - 1991

Northrop Frye; internationally recognized Canadian literary critic. Frye’s writings contributed significantly to literary study after World War II. Frye is concerned with the relationship of literature to society, the role of the literary critic, and the interaction between the individual reader and whatever is being read.

The search for meaning

Let us suppose that some intelligent man has been chasing status symbols all his life and suddenly the bottom falls out of his world and he sees no reason for going on. He can’t make his solid gold Cadillac represent his success or his reputation or his sexual potency any more:

now it seems to him only absurd and a little pathetic. No psychiatrists or clergyman can do him any good, because his state of mind is neither sick nor sinful: he’s wrestling with his angel. He discovers immediately that he wants more education, and he wants it in the same way that a starving man wants food. But he wants education of a particular kind. His intelligence and emotions may quite well be in fine shape. It is his imagination that’s been starved and fed on shadows, and it’s education in that that he specifically wants and needs. - p. 150

What has happened is that he’s so far recognized only one society, the society he has to live in, the middle-class twentieth century society that he sees around him. That is, the society he does live in is identical with the one he wants to live in. So all he has to do is adjust to that society, to see how it works and find opportunities for getting ahead in it. Nothing wrong with that: it’s what we all do. But it’s not all of what we all do. He’s beginning to realize that if he recognizes no other society except the one around him, he can never be anything more than a parasite on that society. And no mentally healthy man wants to be a parasite: he wants to feel that he has some function, something to contribute to the world, something that would make the world poorer if he weren’t in it. But as soon as that notion dawns in the mind, the world we live in and the world we want to live in become different worlds. One is around us, the other is a vision inside our minds, born and fostered by the imagination, yet real enough for us to try to make the world we see conform to its

shape. This second world is the world we want to live in, but the word “want” is now appealing to something impersonal and unselfish in us. -p.150-151

Libraries and Social Responsibility: A National Conversation

2010-05-17T08:08:00.001-07:00

June 2, 2010

CLA Pre – Conference in Edmonton

“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on

the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining

the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question,

I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”

—ALBERT EINSTEIN

A few of the questions that we will be addressing on June 2^nd include:

· What is adaptive learning?

· What is progress?

· What is the function of libraries in fostering community progress?

· What does it mean for a community to survive and thrive?

We are looking forward to starting this conversation. We will send out some background reading in the next couple of days to all those who have registered for the pre-conference.

2010 CAPL Conference Bursary Awarded

2010-04-14T09:20:00.001-07:00

The CAPL Bursary Committee is pleased to announce that the 2010 CAPL Conference Bursary has been awarded to Adrienne Connolly from the Montreal Children’s Library.

Adrienne graduated with her MLIS degree from McGill University in 2007 and has worked as an Archivist with the Montreal Neurological Institute, as a Branch Librarian with the Montreal Children’s Library and is currently the Executive Director/Head Librarian for the Montreal Children’s Library.

The Montreal Children’s library is an independent not-for-profit public library offering library programs and services in communities not served by the municipal library system.

The CAPL Bursary Committee is proud to provide Adrienne with the financial assistance needed to attend this year’s CLA conference in Edmonton.

Beth Hovius Receives 2010 CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award

2010-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Association of Public Libraries (CAPL) and Brodart Canada are pleased to announce Beth Hovius, Director, Public Service and Collection Development, Hamilton Public Library as the 2010 recipient of the CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award. Sponsored by Brodart Canada, the award is given annually in the field of Canadian public librarianship, to a recipient for outstanding service in the field.

Beth Hovius’s contributions to librarianship have had a significant and lasting impact on a provincial, national and international level. She has been a tireless and exceptional leader and contributors to libraries.

At the provincial level, and in her role at the Hamilton Public Library, Beth provided leadership in fostering the Adult Basic Education Association (ABEA) in partnership with community service providers. This initiative resulted in one of the first integrated lifelong learning strategies in the country. Beth also served on the Board for many years after helping to create the organization. It continues to evolve and thrive.

Beth was also one of the creators of the Disability Information Service Helpline (DISH), winner of the (Ontario) Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Innovation. This unique service showcases not only the library’s information strengths, but also its values: equity as a foundational value of librarianship.

Recently, Beth’s has played a leadership role in the renovation plan of branch libraries undertaken by the Hamilton Public Library. Beth’s strong belief that libraries need to pay attention to the patron experience has resulted in renovated branch libraries that are welcoming to any age group in the community and that have become the focal point of the community.

At the national library level Beth has served as Vice-President and later President of CAPL. Under her leadership, the CAPL bursary program was revised and the development of the Library Advocacy Now! Workbook was completed. She was also selected by CLA to represent Canadian interests on the joint ALA and CLA program committee in 2003. According to Mary W. Ghikas, Senior Associate Executive Director, American Library Association, “Her expansive knowledge of Canadian libraries – including many areas is which Canadian library management and practice differ from that in the U.S. – as well as her long experience with CLA made her an outstanding spokesperson.”

At the international level Beth represented the Canadian library community on the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) Committee on Library Service to the Blind. Her papers on public libraries and partnership development to international conferences in this role were among her lasting contributions, showcasing Canadian experience and values and advancing world collaboration towards equitable information service consistent with classic library values.

Media Contact: André Gagnon,
CAPL President
(306) 777-6071

Changes at CLA

2010-03-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

As you know CLA is looking at making some significant structural changes.

What does this look like? What impact will these changes have for you, CAPL, our only national library association? Does any of this matter to you? If you have questions or have been looking for “space” to share your ideas with others, ask questions and hear what other members are thinking, then use this space for comments.

There isn’t much time as decisions regarding the future of our library association are being made right now.

CAPL Preconference – The Social Responsibility of Libraries

2010-03-11T12:53:00.000-08:00

In the midst of current economic, political and environmental uncertainties what is the responsibility of libraries and librarians in promoting and informing the conversation? Can/should libraries remain neutral on issues related to community progress?

This is no easy question to answer, and it is no easy question to be answered because it has been answered differently by librarians throughout history. Vestiges of these answers remain and are often in conflict with one another. Because the major topic to be discussed is the function of libraries in aiding community progress, it is necessary to look back at how the core value of Intellectual Freedom has evolved throughout the past 100 years.

The Progress of Intellectual Freedom

"In 1896, The American Library Association sponsored a roundtable discussion on contemporary fiction. Controversy centered around several contemporary authors of the naturalist school. More than half the librarians present agreed that Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage and The Damnation of Theron Ware should not be included in the next ALA Catalog supplement. In keeping with this attitude, authors like Zola, Daudet, and de Maupassant were not cited in either the 1893 Catalog or its 1904 Supplement.

“Because the ideology of reading dictated the exclusion of bad reading as well as the inclusion of good reading, turn-of-the-century public librarians willingly assumed the role of censor as a part of their professional credo. St. Louis Public Library Director Arthur Bostwick had no reservations about using the word censor in the title of his presidential address before the American Library Association in 1908. The values and attitudes that gave rise to adoption of a 'Library Bill of Rights' by ALA in 1939 had not yet evolved in the first decade of the twentieth century." Wiegand, Wayne. An Active Instrument for Propaganda: The American Public Library During World War I, 1989, p. 4.

“[David K.] Berninghausen shared Higgins’s judgment that librarians did not embrace intellectual freedom as a tenet of the profession. If pressures to censor occurred in their libraries, most librarians quietly acquiesced. . . . Librarians, Berninghausen stated, ‘must protest against all attempts at censorship and all legislation or acts of government which could threaten intellectual freedom . . . The time for deliberate, well-directed, constructive action by the American Library Association has come.’” Robbins, Louise S. Censorship and the American Library: The American Library Association’s Response to Threats to Intellectual Freedom, 1939-1969. 1996, pp.29-33

“The Subcommittee on Social Responsibilities of the American Library Association (ALA) issued a report in January 1970 arguing that “if libraries exist to promote the progress of meaningful democracy, then the apparently nonlibrary problems of the disadvantaged, and more acutely the problems that cause disadvantage, are library problems. They have an information component. Libraries have a role to play in helping communities reach ‘a state of political effectiveness where they can demand proper, self-tailored library services and be sure of getting it’” (Raber 2007, 684-5). Taken from “Radical Reference: Socially Responsible Librarianship Collaborating With Community” Reference Librarian; Oct-Dec2009, Vol. 50 Issue 4, p371-396, 26p

“In the November 1972 issue of Library Journal, he (David K. Berninghausen) published ‘Social responsibility vs. the Library Bill of Rights,’ which was immediately followed up by nineteen rejoinders gathered together as ‘The Berninghausen debate’ in January 1973. Berninghausen advanced his first major premise by stating that the raison d’etre of ALA is, among other things, not any of the following:

1. To eradicate racial injustice and inequities and to promote human brotherhood
2. To stop the pollution of air, earth, and sea
3. To build a United Nations capable of preventing all wars

“’Vital as these issues are, it is not the purpose of ALA to take positions as to how men must resolve them [emphasis in the original].’ Interestingly, Berninghausen failed to explain the actual purpose of ALA, and, given the nature of the debate, the purpose of the ALA did not go without saying. Further, Berninghausen’s assertion begged the question: if it were not the purpose of ALA to take a stand on social issues such as those mentioned above, then just whose purpose was it? As Betty-Carol Sellen, one of the rejoinder authors, explained: ‘if librarians decide that the issues vital to society are irrelevant to librarians as librarians, then society may find that librarians are irrelevant to it.’” Joyce, Steven. “A Few Gates Redux: An examination of the Social Responsibilities Debate in the Early 1970s and 1990s.” Questioning Library Neutrality, 2008, pp. 42-43.

Jason Openo, BA, MLIS
Manager, Whitemud Crossing Branch
Edmonton Public Library

CLA Pre-conference session, June 2nd, 2010

2010-02-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Pre Conference Canadian Library Association – June 2nd – Edmonton –
see www.cla.ca for registration details.

You are invited to participate in a national conversation. We will be getting together on June 2nd face to face in Edmonton to discuss this important topic but why wait? Check back frequently for ongoing and stimulating conversation.

Libraries and Social Responsibility: A National Conversation

In the midst of current economic, political and environmental uncertainties what is the responsibility of libraries and librarians in promoting and informing the conversation? Can/should libraries remain neutral on issues related to community progress? Leadership Calgary/Edmonton facilitators will lead large and small group discussions focusing on the library’s role in supporting society’s ability to survive and thrive.

Blythe Butler – Leadership Calgary/Leadership Edmonton
Nancy MacKenzie – Calgary Public Library
Jason Openo – Edmonton Public Library

Question: "What is the function of libraries in community progress?”

Format of the Day
1:00 - Framing of the discussion
1:30 – Small Group Discussion facilitated by Leadership Calgary/Edmonton alumni
3:00 – Sponsored Coffee Break
3:30 – Final Small group discussion
4:00 – Large Group facilitated discussion, closing remarks, how to stay in touch, evaluation.

Outcomes
* Change the way you perceive the library in a broader context
* Recognize why this is important
* Identify the “big idols” – question our assumptions
* Learn how to start a conversation with colleagues and community

We hope to continue the conversations started at this session right here, on the CAPL blog. Stay tuned!

For more information, please contact:

Nancy G. MacKenzie
Vice President, Canadian Association of Public Libraries
nancy.mackenzie@calgarypubliclibrary.com

Judith Saltman Receives 2009 CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award

2009-06-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Association of Public Libraries (CAPL) and Brodart Canada are pleased to announce Judith Saltman, Associate Professor with the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies at the University of British Columbia, as the 2009 recipient of the CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award. Sponsored by Brodart Canada, the award is presented annually for outstanding service in the field of Canadian public librarianship.

Judith is a strong advocate of services for children in public libraries, demonstrated in her career as a librarian, professor and author of scholarly works about children’s literature. She brings dedication, commitment and creativity to her work, along with a deep understanding of the importance of children’s services in libraries. Her teaching, writings and passion have inspired a generation of librarians. As a spokesperson to the media, she has admirably represented public libraries, librarians, the academic children’s literature community and children’s writers and illustrators.

The CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award was presented to Judith Saltman at a reception at le Palais des congrès de Montréal following the CAPL Annual General Meeting on Sunday, May 31 as part of the 2009 Canadian Library Association/Association Canadienne des Bibliothèques National Conference & Trade Show.

CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award Recipient Announced

2009-04-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

Judith Saltman Receives 2009 CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award

The Canadian Association of Public Libraries (CAPL) and Brodart Canada are pleased to announce Judith Saltman, AssociateProfessor with the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies at the University of British Columbia, as the 2009 recipient of the CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award. Sponsored by Brodart Canada, the award is presented annually for outstanding service in the field of Canadian public librarianship.

Judith is a strong advocate of services for children in public libraries, demonstrated in her career as a librarian, professor and author of scholarly works about children’s literature. She brings dedication, commitment and creativity to her work, along with a deep understanding of the importance of children’s services in libraries. Her teaching, writings and passion have inspired a generation of librarians. As a spokesperson to the media, she has admirably represented public libraries, librarians, the academic children’s literature community and children’s writers and illustrators.

The CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award will be presented to Judith Saltman at a reception at le Palais des congrès de Montréal following the CAPL Annual General Meeting on Sunday, May 31 as part of the 2009 Canadian Library Association/Association Canadienne des Bibliothèques National Conference & Trade Show.

Conference Bursary Recipient Announced

2009-04-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

The CAPL Conference Bursary Committee and the CAPL Executive wish to congratulate Stephen R. Warren, the 2009 recipient of the CLA Conference Bursary.

Stephen is currently employed as an Auxiliary Librarian with the Greater Victoria Public Library. He has a strong background in association and conference involvement and in 2008 received the Ken Haycock Student Conference Award for BCLA.

Congratulations Stephen! See you in Montreal!

2009 NELI recipient shares her thoughts on the Leadership Institute

2009-04-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Northern Exposure to Leadership Institute (NELI) 2009
Upon opening my acceptance letter to NELI in January 2009 many thoughts came to mind, but one in particular stood out – What will I personally gain from this? I knew what I hoped to gain; new insights into leadership, the chance to network, and hopefully create bonds with some of my fellow colleagues. Of course my expectations were high and not knowing what to expect added to the excitement.

I can honestly say that after completing my week at NELI all my expectations were met above and beyond what I had originally anticipated. The participants had the privilege of learning and benefiting from our mentors and organizers that provided support and advice throughout the week. We were given the opportunity to work as teams and build on our skill sets and create many more. It was a time of great self reflection and self learning. As Librarians somewhat new to the field, we were challenged to envision our role and place within the future of the profession.

What I had not expected was the tremendous enthusiasm and passion for our profession that was exhibited on a daily basis. What did I personally gain from this? Inspiration, determination and support.

Kelley England, B.A., M.L.I.S.
Manager of Children and Young Adult Services
King Township Public Library

National Strategy for Early Literacy - Do public libraries have a role?

2009-03-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

You are invited to comment on the following post. Thank you to Lita Barrie, President, Canadian Association of Children's Librarians for preparing this submission.

National Strategy for Early Literacy

Submission from the Canadian Association of Children’s Librarians

In response to the question posed, “What should be done to improve the literacy skills of Canadian children and youth?” There is one simple piece to the answer, include Canadian public libraries in the National Strategy for Early Literacy. "Libraries have long been recognized as one of the most important community institutions for adult and child literacy development" (Urban Libraries Council, 2007, p. 7). Public Libraries are providing essential early literacy service and support across Canada and we must play a fundamental role in any national strategy for early literacy.

Newman’s recent report on the future of Ontario public libraries to the Ontario Ministry of Culture “identifies leading examples of innovative practices and services in public libraries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Nordic Countries, Singapore…practices show that, more and more, national governments are acknowledging the value of public libraries through programs, policies and funding”(Newman, 2008, p.2).

Walk into public libraries across Canada and find library staff interacting with families and providing free equitable access to children’s books. From board books for the very young, picture books that excite, non-fiction that feeds the curious mind to electronic access to digital picture books that utilize technology to nurture literacy skills; public libraries are the cornerstone of early literacy in our communities. It is for this reason that the Canadian Paediatric Society’s recommends that physicians encourage families to visit their public library and register for a library card as an essential step in early literacy skills development (Canadian Paediatric Society, 2006, p.4).

However, the role of Canadian Public libraries is not limited to books alone, they are also providing early literacy programs in the form of storytimes, summer reading programs and innovative partnerships. "Early literacy programming in public libraries contributes to elevating young children's levels of literacy and engagement in learning, thereby contributing to school readiness and school success." (Urban Libraries Council, 2007,p.11). Interactive storytime programs are designed to support parents, caregivers and children by helping family develop the tools to allow their children the best opportunity to master the essential pre-reading skills.

In addition to providing materials and programs, public libraries are also providing interactive early literacy discovery spaces that are free, non-judgmental and open to all. Public Libraries are working with community partners to engage Newcomers to Canada and members or our communities who aren’t familiar with the role of the public library as a free accessible public place to access books, information, literacy support, homework help and technology. “Within the context of family learning and life long learning, the unfettered access for children under 3 years of age to free public libraries is an essential human right and ingredient to enhance development of numeracy and literacy in later life” (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, 2007, p.5).

The National Strategy for Early Literacy must work with the best existing network of resources to make a significant impact in the literacy skills of Canadian children and youth - Canadian Public Libraries.

The challenge for Canadian public libraries in improving literacy outcomes is that public library support for early childhood learning needs coordination and explicit policy attention (Newman, 2008, p.5). Canadian public libraries are largely municipally funded; they are regulated provincially and receive varying amounts of provincial funding and support. They are institutions working daily to meet the unique needs of their local communities, working with community agencies as community hubs for literacy, information, recreation and lifelong learning and working together provincially where possible. “A national focus for library research and initiatives to underpin library innovation has been central to development in the US and the UK. A similar approach in Canada would focus on early learning” (Newman, 2008, p.29).

We asked that a National Strategy for Early Literacy recognizes the role of the public library. We ask that a National Strategy acknowledge what public libraries are already doing. That the Strategy help provide the research, policy and funding support to allow public libraries to make strategic improvements to existing programs and services and be an active participant at the table to contribute our skills, resources and knowledge to a lasting and effective national solution.

If the conclusion of the “NSEL process is to provide a coherent, feasible, evidencebased national strategy for early literacy”, Canadian Public Libraries must play a vital role. Today and every day, public libraries across Canada are serving thousands of Canadian families providing the valuable support and resources they require to meet the literacy and information needs of their families. Come see the innovative programs and strategies we are already offering and imagine how we could do more with coordinated sustained funding and support at a national level.

Submitted by Lita Barrie
President, Canadian Association of Children’s Librarians
Phone: 519-756-2220 ext. 324
E-mail: lbarrie@brantford.library.on.ca

References

Canadian Paediatric Society. Canadian Paediatric Society Position Paper “Read, Speak, Sing: Promoting Literacy in the Physicians Office. (2006)
http://www.cps.ca/ENGLISH/statements/PP/pp06-01.pdf.

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. Guidelines for Library Services to Babies and Toddlers. IFLA Professional Reports, No. 100. (2007)
http://eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/2d/7b/dc.pdf

Newman, Wendy. Third Generation Public Libraries: Visionary Thinking and
Service Development in Public Libraries (to 2020) and Potential Application in Ontario. Report to the Ontario Ministry of Culture, (2008)
http://www.culture.gov.on.ca/english/library/Newman_study_English.pdf.

Urban Libraries Council. Making Cities Stronger: Public Library Contributions to Local Economic Development, (2007)
http://www.urbanlibraries.org/files/making_cities_stronger.pdf.

Your chance to share your Canadian library experiences!

2009-02-21T10:47:00.000-08:00

[With apologies for cross posting]
Do you work in a library in Canada? Are you involved in information literacy instruction or customer training at your library? If you answered yes to both these questions, you are invited to participate in a Canadian survey exploring the experiences of library staff as instructors/trainers. Please consider contributing to this survey. It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and your experiences will make an important contribution to knowledge. If you are interested in learning more about this study or if you wish to participate please follow this link:
https://surveys.aict.ualberta.ca/tsqs/rws4.pl?FORM=lib

Travaillez-vous dans une bibliothèque au Canada? Participez-vous au développement des compétences informationnelles ou à la formation des usagers? Si vous avez répondu par l’affirmative à ces deux questions, nous vous invitons à participer à un sondage canadien qui a pour but d’explorer les expériences du personnel de bibliothèque dans leurs rôles d’éducateur(trice)s et de formateur(trice)s. Nous vous prions d'accepter de contribuer à ce sondage. Cela vous prendra environ 10 minutes. Vos expériences constitueront une importante contribution au savoir de notre profession. Si vous voulez en savoir plus au sujet de cette recherche ou si vous souhaitez participer, cliquez sur ce lien:
https://surveys.aict.ualberta.ca/tsqs/rws4.pl?FORM=libf

Need $$ to attend the CLA Conference this year?

2009-02-06T06:37:00.000-08:00

Why not apply for the CAPL Conference Bursary? For more info. please see below.

CAPL Conference Bursary
As part of its commitment to ongoing professional development for publiclibrarians, particularly newcomers, the Canadian Association of Public Libraries provides financial assistance towards recognized library training programmes.

The 2008 CAPL Conference Bursary was awarded to Kelli Woo Shue.

$1,000 TOWARDS CLA 2009 CONFERENCE

You are eligible if:
* you have received an MLS degree within the last seven years;
* you are a personal member in good standing of CAPL;
* you need financial assistance to attend the CLA conference.

To apply for the bursary, please submit a current resume and a one to two page summary of the professional benefit expected from attending the conference. Please note that consideration will be given to the distance of the applicant's place of residence from the conference site.

APPLY IN WRITING BY *March 31 ,* 2009
TO:Petra Mauerhoff
Eastern Counties Regional Library
P.O. Bag 2500
Mulgrave, N.S.
B0E 2G0
Tel: 902-747-2597
Fax: 902-747-2500
Email: pmauerhoff@nsme.library.ns.ca

2009-01-29T12:41:00.000-08:00

Please disregard this post. It is just a test message. Thank you.

New Members of CAPL Executive

2008-05-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Please join me in welcoming to the CAPL Executive:

Maureen Sawa, Hamilton (ON) Public Library as Secretary/Treasurer Sherri Bain, Brampton (ON) Public Library as Councillor Petra Mauerhoff, Eastern Counties (NS) Regional Library as Councillor And Lita Barrie as the new CACL representative on CAPL.

Maureen, Sherri, Petra, and Lita will become active members of the CAPL Executive at the CAPL AGM on Friday May 23, 2008 from 4:30-6pm.

CAPL's First Teleconference Town Hall Meeting

2008-05-04T13:30:00.001-07:00

Notes from the CAPL Teleconference Town Hall Meeting
A Cross-Country Conversation, March 6, 2008

What Our Members Said About …

Communication
Appreciate the opportunities presented by the various Town Hall meetings
Positive feedback about the visibility and open communication of CAPL
Member participation is important for discussion and content on the blog and Facebook.
Would like to see more dialogue via the listserv (a Canadian parallel to Publib)
“Different strokes for different folks” in terms of communication vehicles – some prefer blogs, some listservs
Establish an RSS feed for the blog

Continuing Education
Positive feedback about the Education Institute
Interest in knowing more about the current curriculum at library schools
Interest in web-based or self-guided learning opportunities

Member Involvement
Continue to expand avenues for member involvement (e.g. committees to address some of the strategic directions)
Involve members in the planning and implementation of strategic directions
Cross-Canada representation and involvement is important

Our Very First Teleconference Town Hall Meeting
The immediacy was great
An intimate, cross-country conversation
Videoconference would be a great next step!
A good avenue to hear more voices from more areas of the country

Public Library Careers
There’s a role for CAPL in making the profession attractive to new librarians in light of workforce changes identified in the 8Rs study

Other Ideas for CAPL to Explore
Liaise actively with the Intellectual Freedom Committee to achieve a two-way dialectic relationship
Informal and formal mentorship initiatives (with individuals self-identifying as potential mentors in areas of interest; coordination of job shadows or job exchanges)
Investigate a more formal liaison relationship with PLA (e.g. dialogue, links between blogs)
As an organization, CAPL could play a central role in addressing the lack of public library service on federal Aboriginal reserves and Metis settlements (e.g. through taking the lead in creating an advocacy kit for band leaders)

Thanks to our participants from:
Brampton Public Library (ON)
Chinook Arch Regional Library (AB)
Gatineau Public Library (QC)
University of Alberta (AB)

Join us for the AGM and CAPL/Brodart Award

2008-05-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

Join us for the CAPL AGM/Award presentation and reception in Vancouver. We will be honouring this year's winner of the CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award with a presentation and reception following the AGM. The CAPL AGM and reception will take place from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2008 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Susan McLean
CAPL President 2006-2008

CAPL Continuing Education Committee

2007-06-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

We are reviving CAPL's Continuing Education Committee and we're looking for members to serve a two or three year term who are interested in developing programs and conference sessions for CLA conference, for the Education Institute, and for regional workshops.

Meetings will take place by teleconference and listserv three or four times during the year.

Our immediate goal is to develop ideas for public library-related sessions for CLA ‘08 in Vancouver (around the theme of connecting writers and readers in the digital age) but we'll be very interested in following up on some of those ideas for the Education Institute and for possible regional program opportunities.

If you are interested in helping to develop continuing education programs for Canadian public libraries, please contact:
Barbara Love
Kingston Frontenac Public Library
613-549-8888, Ext. 1180
blove@kfpl.ca

CLA Vancouver 2008

2007-06-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

Conference planning and professional development

We’ve barely had time to bid the whales farewell and digest the lobsters before CLA moves from the Rock to the Rockies and it’s time to plan CLA 2008 in Vancouver.

The theme for Vancouver, May 21-24, 2008:
Libraries and publishing 3.0: Connecting authors to readers in the digital age.

Digital publishing profoundly affects everything we do in libraries. The conference aims to provide new perspectives on readers, writers and publishers in the digital age.

We’re looking for session proposals that will shed light on digital issues affecting public libraries.

Do you have ideas, suggestions or speakers for sessions? Please let us know.

Do you have a great session idea that’s unrelated to the digital publishing theme? We want to hear about this, too. CAPL is considering hosting a pre-conference day on topics of critical concern to public libraries.

Do you have topic ideas for sessions that might not fit into a CLA conference program? We’re also looking for sessions that would work in other regions of the country or for an Education Institute teleconference, webinar or online course.

We want to hear from you. Please contact:
Barbara Love
Kingston Frontenac Public Library
613-549-8888, Ext 1180

And please check out the CLA website for more information on submitting a proposal:
http://cla.ca/conference/2008/index.htm

blove@kfpl.ca

CAPL Input to Canada Council Strategic Plan

2007-06-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

The following is the CAPL input to the CLA submission for the Canada Council Strategic Plan. CLA will be compiling their submission Thursday June 14 for submission on Friday June 15, 2007

Thank you to those of you who sent in comments.

Susan McLean,

President, CAPL

Questions about the Council’s support of the arts:

1. What do you believe the Council does best?

2. How important do you think a national arts council is, and why? In what ways would you like to see the Council be a “leader”?

A national arts council is a vital infrastructure as support for the development of the arts in Canada. It is important that the Council be a leader in supporting the ongoing development of public access to, and appreciation of, the arts in Canada. Strong community dialogue and involvement in the arts improves the lives of Canadians and increases public support for the arts. Art, in all of its forms, needs to be an integrated part of Canadians lives.
Canada Council funding allows libraries in urban, suburban and rural areas to offer access to the arts in a forum that is unique in the community. Canada Council grants offer citizens the opportunity to see, hear and appreciate the unique Canadian qualities that make up our culture and way of life.- Funding of programs such as writers in residence offer the opportunity for local creative writers to receive personal guidance and instruction from some of the best of local authors. Public libraries are accessible locations to provide access to these services in virtually every community across Canada. - Funding also allows for partnering and nurturing of local arts/literary awards such as the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Awards

3. Is there anything the Council does that it no longer needs to be doing or that could be done by others? If so, what is it and who should do it?

4. Is there an important environmental trend that should be added to the list in this paper? What is it? Why?

Organizations are under increasing amounts of demand to provide services which respond and anticipate the needs of their communities. This is all done with little or no increase to resources. The positive effects are an increased focus on community development, partnerships and streamlined means of providing service. The Canada Council granting processes need to reflect these trends. Granting processes need faster turnaround, streamlined processes and more flexibility to respond to community specific circumstances.

5. What are the two most important things the Council could do to improve its support of the arts?

Develop a more flexible/streamlined granting structure to support Canada Council author readings and access to the arts in general across the country.
Expand the grant structure to develop new ways of engaging Canadians in the arts through partnerships with community based services across the country such as public libraries. Public libraries offer: community based services in communities across the country; infrastructure to develop, manage and deliver services which provide access and engagement of the public in the arts; are adept at partnerships; offer the potential for strong partnerships to develop innovative ways of engaging all segments of the community in the arts.- Expand the grant guidelines to include a focus on youth. Public libraries are increasingly reaching out to community youth and make excellent community based partners in these initiative.

6. Where should the Council be spending more of its resources? Where should it be spending less? (see Appendix B for facts on the Council’s funding)

Increased funds for youth, Aboriginal and diversity related activities. Additional funds need to be allocated to ensure the flow of new artists and to provide access to their work.

Questions about values:

1. What do you value most about the Council, whether it’s on the list above or not - what do you want to preserve and nourish no matter what other changes take place?

believe in government investment in the arts as a public good enabling the arts to contribute to peoples’ lives, encouraging arts development across Canada, and freeing art from complete reliance on the marketplace
Developing and encouraging public involvement with and appreciation of the arts. Making the arts in Canada accessible to the public in order to engage people, enrich their lives and build an understanding of the importance of the arts in our lives.
support freedom of artistic expression from control or dominance by external forces such as governments and markets, a value reinforced by the arm’s length relationship respect Canada’s official languages and recognize the need to support professional artistic activity by both French- and English-speaking Canadians.
respect the regional diversity of Canada and recognize the need to support professional artistic activity in all parts of the country.
respect the histories, traditions, languages and contemporary practices of Aboriginal Peoples and seek to foster the development of Aboriginal artists and organizations.
respect artists and arts organizations from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds and traditions and seek to develop the work of these artists and organizations.

2. Is there a value on the list that is no longer relevant? What is it? Why?

3. Is there a value that is missing from this list? What is it?

4. Make any further comment you want on values.

Government funding to provide access to the arts through such means as the Canada Council author travel grants is important to providing profile and access to Canadian Authors. It is also important to develop new opportunities for public access to the arts. This needs to be done in partnership with community based services such as public libraries. Public libraries are providing services in urban, suburban and rural areas across Canada and are a vital community based/community learning link to the public

Questions about priorities:

1. Do you agree with these priorities? Which in your view is the most important? The least important?

Dissemination and public engagement is one of the most important priorities. Public engagement not only builds necessary support for the arts, it also enriches the arts themselves by providing dialogue with the community and integrating the arts in a very rich cultural life for Canadians
Emerging practices is also crucial. As a country we need to develop the next generation of artists and arts leaders. It is essential that funding for emerging practice reflect the diverse nature of the Canadian population

2. If the Council’s parliamentary appropriation were to decrease below its 2005-06 base of $151.7 million, what specific activities should receive less support?

3. If the Council’s budget were to remain the same as its 2005-06 base of $151.7 million, where should it be spending more money? How much more? As a result of this, where would you suggest it spend less?

Grants to support author visits need to be increased to reflect increases in costs. Present levels of funding do not reflect the actual costs. As a result libraries are increasingly unable to support author visits to their communities.
It is becoming increasingly more difficult for Public Libraries to afford travel costs for authors to carry out literary readings. This is due to the substantial increase in airfares and in the price of gasoline. This is also due to the fact that Canada Council has not made corresponding changes in the amount of money that is approved for the transportation of authors.
Suggestion: That Canada Council increase the amount of money approved for transportation of authors from $400.00 to $600.00 and increase the per/km allotment from .32/km to .40/km. Likewise, to support the Council’s core priority regarding dissemination and public engagement, consideration might also be given to increasing the amount of travel dollars given to the less populated parts of the country like Atlantic Canada. Here there are fewer authors available locally and fewer opportunities for cost sharing with other organizations.

4. How should the Council allocate new resources if it received the following increases to its base of $151.7 million?: a) $30M in new funds;b) $100M or more in new funds

5. Thinking beyond 2008-11, what do you believe should be the Council’s longer-term vision?

6. Make any further comment you want on priorities.

Review the guidelines and procedures currently in place for grants for author reading to facilitate the capacity of the grant recipient to plan for, publicize and effectively deliver a program. While it is recognized that accountability for the funds is imperative, part of this accountability must include procedures that facilitate the capacity to maximize the opportunity provided with the funding. Suggestions for change follow:
Due to the extensive period of time between the submission of requests for literary readings and the Canada Council approval of readings (often three months), libraries are left with very little time to make travel arrangements for authors, produce publicity pieces, meet media and promotions deadlines, etc.
Suggestion: That Canada Council shorten the period of time between the submission of requests and approval of requests to 4-6 weeks so that libraries have time to make travel arrangements for authors and to meet publicity deadlines. Due to its very nature, the public library is in a position to support the Council in its interest of “bringing the arts to the people” and “promoting the value of the arts to Canadians”. However, the Council needs to be flexible and timely enough so that promotion to the public can take place.
Due to some restrictions set down by Canada Council, the libraries often cannot get approval for particular high-interest authors. The restrictions on non-fiction authors and on co-authors eliminates a number of possible readings that the public are interested in attending. Restricting a writer to only one Canada Council supported reading with one organization in a two-year period has also lessened our choice of authors.
Suggestion: Due to the changing and expanding nature of non-fiction and due to the popularity and availability of some writers who have co-authored books, Canada Council ease its restrictions in these areas. That Canada Council change the restriction of return visits by authors from two years to one year. Once again, this supports the Council’s core priority regarding dissemination and public engagement.
Obtaining information from and communicating with Canada Council seems unnecessarily difficult. The late notice of approved authors is one example already mentioned. Others include: the lack of an explanation as to why particular authors are not approved; the lack of an online application process; the difficulty of using the website to find information.
Suggestion: Streamline the application and approval process so that communication is improved. The availability of a regional Council representative or board in each of the areas of the country to guide organizations through the process would enhance communication and improve the timeliness of selection.
Due to the strict guidelines, procedures, and time lines set down by Canada Council, libraries are left with very little flexibility in developing annual plans for programs and promotions. There is also little flexibility should an author or authors have to cancel readings - in this case we often go without a program and are required to return the money.
Suggestion: Libraries be given a lump sum of money per year for literary readings and writing events and a list of potential authors. Libraries would determine how the budget is spent and would be accountable through a reporting system. This lengthens the planning and promotions time and allows the use the funds at another time of year when listed authors are available. This is not unlike the process accepted by many other granting agencies who partner with libraries. Since public libraries are known to have a strong infrastructure and support systems in place, accountability for the funding will be provided.

Canada Council for the Arts - Strategic Plan

2007-06-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Canada Council for the Arts is seeking input to its strategic plan. CLA will be sending input and CAPL will be contributing to that document. Canada Council programs impact public libraries across the country, so we are encouraging you to provide your input, either as comments to the CAPL blog or by e.mail to Susan Mclean, CAPL President mcleans@halifaxpubliclibraries.ca.

The deadline is tight, we will need to hear from you by Tuesday, June 12, 2007. Information on the Canada Council Strategic Plan is available at: http://www.50.canadacouncil.ca/en/consultation/default.aspx

Susan McLean
President, CAPL

CAPL townhall in St.John's

2007-06-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

As an ongoing series of townhalls across the country, CAPL held a townhall in St.John's NFLD as a segment of the CAPL AGM. The notes from the session follow for your information. The CAPL Executtive integrates the input from the townhalls in the annual plans for the divistion. An updated plan will appear on the CAPL Website in the fall. We welcome your thoughts/feedback!

Susan Mclean, CAPL President

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How can CAPL become more relevant to your needs as a member?
- Member appreciates information on listserv.
- Establish a better system on listserv. Member disappears for no reason.
- How do we meet needs of new generation? Facebook? Myspace? Can we make librarianship fun to appeal to millenials?
- Comment that people at meeting are not in the millennial group, as not funded for conference as much as older librarians. How to reach them? Only a few in room.
- Important to go where people are, because lots can’t afford the conference. Townhalls important.
- Glacial approach to preparing projects. Can work be broken down, distributed to facilitate speed?
- Pat Jobb mentions advocacy, asks whether we see CAPL as a way to promote careers in public libraries.
- Annual program to promote public libraries across the country? Only a national organization can do this.
- Suggestion to create teleconference town hall.

How can CAPL build a sense of community among public library practitioners in this country?
- CAPL should focus less on prodigal son, recognize long-term members, ones who participate. Honour the existing community. Customer retention is important. Let’s have fun!
- Spotlight on people across the country so we can get to know each other. Blog? Mentorship piece? Help our community see our own faces. Committee of newer members who interview new members and post to the blog.
- Recommend that we spend our budget. Hire people? Concern with travel costs a false economy? Stipend for travel?
- Chunk out CAPL tasks and assign them to library staff.
- Build community by face-to-face meetings. Let’s get together. Regional reps?
- Cross-fertilization, new connections.

What do you see as priorities and/or key issues for CAPL in the coming year?
- Something to further #2, use electronic means to connect. How we come together.
- Do not ignore the need to attract new librarians to public library field.
- Do we visit library schools? We did visit Western. Can other members serve as ambassadors in the field?
- Personal phone calls made to new members.
- Public librarians serve as mentors to library school students.
- We need to start recruitment earlier than library schools. Session on Succession encouragement? Try to inspire old fogies to become change agents one last time. How to eat a boiled frog? (some humour here).
- Liaison programs in high schools to speak at career days. Retention/regeneration: How get staff learning about new technology developments so that they can speak intelligently to younger clients?
- Pen pals - pairs of workers in different organizations or geographic areas with similar roles to discuss work.
- CAPL should support Library Advocacy Now handbook updates. It’s dated. Could chunks be farmed out? (Pat Cavill).
- Continuing education bit very important to maintain. Partnership very effective and inexpensive. Could be more public library workshops.
- Remember the library technicians - lots in the north.
-Recruit for diversity. New Canadians for example.
- At next CAPL exec will go through comments to develop strategies. Make a summary of this conversation available to membership. CLA website, listserv, blog. If further thoughts, get in touch with CAPL exec.
- Many thanks to Pat Jobb for facilitation.
- Participate in OLS in Thunder Bay.
- National Marketing campaign: cross between battle of the books, Canada Reads. To promote libraries more than books. Librarians compete like a game.

Public Library Service Responses

2007-05-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Public Library Association (PLA) has just issued its revision of the Public Library Service Responses, outlining 18 redefined service responses for public libraries. The document is available for download from PLA (www.pla.org), although the site does not accept international (including Canadian) orders. I've sent an e-mail to CLA to ask whether we will be able to order this through the Shop CLA service.

According to the description, each service response contains eight sections: the title, the description, suggested target audiences, typical programs and services in libraries that select the response as a priority, potential partners, policy implications, critical resources, and possible measures.

Louise Reimer
CAPL Executive

Community Development and Public Libraries

2007-05-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

Checkout the Working Together project website www.librariesincommunities.ca for information on community development in public libraries.

Canadian Urban Libraries Council

2007-05-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

The website for the Canadian Urban Libraries Council is www.culc.ca Not a member? Click "enter as a guest"

Talking About Technology Adoption in the Public Library

2007-05-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

Talking about Technology Adoption in the Public Library is available for download from The Alberta Library website: http://www.thealbertalibrary.ab.ca/. If you follow the link, there will be a heading entitled, "TAL News." Below that heading you will find an item entitled, "Download Report: Talking about technology adoption in the public library." Click on that link and you will come to the PDF document.

The report discusses some implications for public libraries of the Alberta SuperNet and other broadband networks in Canada. Because the public library is an endpoint for the SuperNet in hundreds of Alberta communities, many new opportunities exist for community uses of the library. The conclusions of the report point to the need for continuing discussions with public libraries about their changing mandate in an era of abundant online information.

The report has been prepared as part of two projects funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Meet us in St.John's

2007-05-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

Be sure to attend the CAPL AGM in St. John's. We will be nominating and electing the Vice President/President Elect for the Division, holding a town hall discussion to hear your views on significant issues for the division, and, you will get a chance to meet your colleagues from across the country. We look forward to seeing you there!

CAPL Elections

2007-05-11T05:02:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Rachel Sargeant-Jenkins, Medicine Hat Public Library, Medicine Hat, Alberta, who has been elected as CAPL Councillor.

Nominations and election of Vice President/President Elect will be made at the CAPL AGM in St. John's