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The Education Issue: A letter from the Editors

The state of library education in British Columbia is vital to the future of the sector. This issue of BCLA Perspectives, The Education Issue, takes a close look at the points of view of educators and students, as well as the experiences of professionals who not only rely on professional development and self-education to stay current, but also help foster educational opportunities for students. While these groups come from different perspectives, both have a joint interest in the meaningful development and direction of the profession.

With employment and career-pathing closely related to academic training, this issue’s contributions reflect the state of transformation and retrenchment so familiar to the province’s library workforce.

The editors would like to thank the chairs and faculty of the Library and Information Technology diploma programs at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) and Langara College, as well as the acting Director of the University of British Columbia‘s (UBC) iSchool. Moreover, we are especially grateful to the current and former students that responded to the education survey conducted for this issue.

This issue has also benefitted from the contributions and editorial direction provided by our guest editor Kristina McGuirk, a trained journalist and candidate for the Dual Master of Archival Studies and Library and Information Studies at UBC.

And on a logistical note: On consultation with the editorial team and the Association’s Executive Director, the publishing calendar for BCLA Perspectives has changed. Going forward, our quarterly publication schedule will be:

  • March
  • June
  • September
  • December

We welcome feedback and encourage our readers to comment on the stories and perspectives presented in this issue.

Cassie McFadden, Nolan Kelly, Tim McMillan, and Kristina McGuirk

Editors, BCLA Perspectives