For the past year BCLA has been working with the Archives Association of BC (AABC) and the BC Museums Association (BCMA) to articulate our shared values and to emphasize the importance of collaborative work to better meet the needs of the GLAM sector. (For those of you new to the terminology, the GLAM sector is Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums.)
The presidents of BCLA, AABC, and BCMA met at a media briefing on March 24 at the City Centre Library in Surrey to sign a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing the organizations’ intention to explore, identify, share, and consider new ways to work together. Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, was present to witness the signing and to speak briefly about the value of collaborative initiatives. ”We think this new partnership agreement will serve as a timely call to action for GLAM sectors across the province,” BCLA President Daphne Wood said at the event. ”To be the first province in Canada to have this formal agreement in place, we are thrilled.”
Wood had the opportunity to speak about this MOU at the Partnership meeting in January (the Partnership is Canada’s national network of provincial and territorial associations). This discussion revealed that BC would be the first among provincial associations to develop such an MOU within the GLAM sector. After hearing this, we more fully understood the importance, and dare I say historic nature, of this MOU.
A more detailed discussion of this partnership and what it means going forward will happen at the BC Library Conference session “Museums, Libraries and Archives: Cross Sector Partnerships” by David Alexander and Daphne Wood.
I’d like to thank the BCLA Board for their initiative and leadership in setting an exciting new direction for BCLA. As an association we strive to work collaboratively and recognize the strength in working together with all our partners, including museums, archives, and galleries!
Thank you!
Annette,
Executive Director, BCLA
About the organizations:
The British Columbia Museums Association (BCMA) creates a bright future for British Columbia’s museum, gallery, and related heritage communities through networking, advocacy, innovation, and professional development. It acts as the cultural and heritage information hub for British Columbia while providing a unified voice for the sector.
The British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) leads the library community in advocacy, professional development, and support of intellectual freedom. It ensures that all British Columbians have equitable access to information, ideas and works of the imagination.
The Archives Association of British Columbia (AABC) fosters the development of the provincial archival community to better preserve and promote access to British Columbia’s documentary heritage.
Contact:
Alyssa Polinsky
BC Museums Association
250-893-1311
Annette DeFaveri
BC Library Association
604-683-5354