We had a great BC Library Conference this year! I’m not sure if there’s been a shift in the library community generally, or if the overall feelings of happiness, collaboration, and engagement that permeated the 2016 conference were limited to that event. I’m inclined...
BCLA Perspectives
Issue 3
Freedom isn’t free: The 250th anniversary of Freedom of Information legislation
Across Canada, groups recognize the last week of September as Right to Know Week. During this time we acknowledge the importance of freedom of information (FOI) laws to society. This year is particularly important, because 2016 marks the 250th anniversary of the...
Jbrary spreads children’s storytime content across continents
Imagine getting an email from a teacher in Islamabad, Pakistan, thanking you for providing a free resource that helps her Grade 2 students learn English. Imagine receiving a message from a father of an 18-month-old in Brazil telling you how much you’ve helped him bond...
West Vancouver Memorial Library abuzz with Mason Bees
Bee background Mason bees are powerful little pollinators. Native to North America, these wonder bugs visit an average of 1,600 plants a day and pollinate almost every flower they contact. Mason bees are solitary insects, meaning they have no queen and no colony to...
How to mentor your boss: Tips for library techs
If I have had any success as a librarian, I owe much of it to the mentorship of library technicians. Don’t get me wrong, I am a professional librarian. I believe in the merit of our professional hierarchy. I respect the role of librarians and our unique opportunities...
Libraries: The connecting link between a growing economy and newcomers
Have you ever asked new immigrants why they came to British Columbia? There are some obvious reasons: It is a beautiful place with postcard-worthy forests, lakes, and mountains; the weather is mild, even with the never-ending rain; there are people (and food) from all...
Reflections of a Ravenclaw in Florida: The American Library Association’s 2016 Conference
The American Library Association (ALA) holds the biggest annual library conference in the world, sometimes drawing well over 20,000 attendees from all different kinds of libraries. There are literally hundreds of sessions to choose from at any given moment. The...
Notes on Okanagan College’s Indigenous Concepts of Knowledge Symposium
More than 100 people attended an Indigenous Concepts of Knowledge Symposium at Okanagan College’s Kelowna Campus on June 15. Moderated by Dr. Bill Cohen, Okanagan College professor of Indigenous Studies and Project Manager of the College’s Indigenization Task Force,...
Readers’ Advisory Interest Group: Titles to talk about
The BCLA Readers’ Advisory Interest Group is pleased to suggest the following titles for when you need a good book to recommend. Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West Both laugh-out-loud funny and dreadfully upsetting, Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman is a...
Libraries in the media
The following is a comprehensive list of recent news articles related to libraries in BC and beyond. JANUARY CBC News. “Not just for books: Public libraries provide services for new Canadians.” CBC (Jan. 16, 2016). Adam Donnelly. “Kamloops families ‘Unplug and Play’...