Resolutions

Mover: Christine Middlemass
Seconder: Todd Mundle

Title of Resolution Applying Gender Inclusive language throughout the BCLA bylaws

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution To ensure that the language used in the BCLA Bylaws is gender inclusive while remaining legally and grammatically correct. “They,” them,” and “theirs” are considered singular pronouns are used throughout the Bylaws to denote a single person.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) None

Action Proposed

BE IT RESOLVED as a special resolution that the Bylaws of the Society be amended as follows: Gender Neutral Language

1. by deleting Bylaw 1.3 in its entirety and substituting in place thereof the following as a new Bylaw 1.3:
1.3 Plural and Singular Forms and Gender Neutral Language In these Bylaws: (a) a word defined in the plural form includes the singular and vice-versa; and (b) the pronouns “they”, “them” or “their” are used throughout these Bylaws to refer to, and are inclusive of, individuals of all genders and gender-identities.;

2. to delete every instance of the phrases set out in column A of the following table located throughout the Bylaws and insert in each such case, the respective phrase set out in column B of the table:

Column A – current phrase	Column B – replacement phrase
1 “he or she”	“they”
2 “his or her”	“their”
3 “him or her”	“them”
4 “him or herself”	“themself”

BE IT RESOLVED RESOLVED as an ordinary resolution that the law firm of Norton Rose Fulbright Canada be and is hereby authorized and directed to prepare a bylaw alteration application and file same with the British Columbia Registrar of Corporations to give effect to the foregoing resolution and the replacement of the Bylaws as soon as practicable following the meeting.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group BCLA Board of Directors

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) BC Library Association Board of Directors

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) BC Library Association Board of Directors

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) none

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw: Please see BCLA – Bylaws showing proposed amendments

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a

 

Mover: Lisa Nathan
Seconder: Allison Richardson

Title of Resolution Climate Emergency Declaration

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution The scientific consensus is that urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis. In October 2018, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C, noting that global heating caused by human activity will likely reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052, with significant risks to humanity and nature. It also noted that heating above 1.5°C presents even greater risks, and laid out recommended greenhouse gas reduction targets to limit heating to 1.5°C, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The IPCC’s Emissions Gap Report 2019’s findings are “bleak.” With greenhouse gas emissions continuing to rise, steep reductions in emissions are required to preserve hope of limiting global heating to less than 1.5°C or 2°C.

2019 saw many different levels of government worldwide declare climate emergencies, with many of them committing to the IPCC emission reduction targets. 2020 has started off with organizations from across the public and private sectors also recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis and committing to IPCC targets and a wide range of other concrete actions to address climate change.

In recognition of the community-wide, geographically diverse implications of climate change, BCLA is strategically positioned to play a leadership role in advocating for climate justice and action across British Columbia’s well-networked library sector. Although BCLA’s carbon footprint may be low compared to many organizations, it should also work towards decarbonization. We recommend that BCLA form a Climate Crisis Committee that reports directly to the BCLA Board with a mandate to:

– Represent BCLA, and at the direction of the Board, to support libraries across sectors in their efforts to address the climate crisis, recognizing the vital roles libraries play within their communities that can be leveraged for climate engagement, dissemination of accurate information, and community support

– At the direction of the BCLA Board to participate in the Libraries 2020 campaign and similar advocacy efforts to raise provincial investment for public libraries, recognizing that public libraries will increasingly have a front-line role to play in community support as the climate crisis unfolds

– work with BCLA to reduce its environmental impact in areas including operations, and the annual conference, and make recommendations for improvement.

– draft letters at the request of the BCLA Board and on behalf of the BCLA Board to the other Canadian provincial library associations, urging them to support their members in declaring climate emergencies and, where applicable, to adopt the IPCC targets

– draft a letter at the request of the BCLA Board and on behalf of the BCLA Board to the Province urging the provincial government to declare a climate emergency and adopt the IPCC emission targets

– continue working to support BCLA, its members, and the library sector in addressing the climate crisis.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) None

Action Proposed

Whereas the scientific consensus is that urgent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are needed to limit the extent and destructiveness of the climate crisis;

Whereas climate emergency declarations and commitments to IPCC emission reduction targets will signal the seriousness and urgency of the climate crisis to member libraries and the library sector as a whole;

Whereas BCLA plays a leadership role within the provincial and Canadian library community;

Be it resolved that BCLA recognizes climate change as an emergency.

Be it further resolved that BCLA will form a climate crisis committee that reports directly to the BCLA Board. This committee will be tasked with working with BCLA to reduce its environmental impact in areas including operations, and the annual conference, and make recommendations for improvement.

Be it further resolved that the climate crisis committee will be tasked with supporting the BCLA Board with additional advocacy on the climate crisis within the library and governmental sectors, and working with and supporting libraries and the library sector as they work to address and adapt to the climate crisis.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group Helen Brown

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) None

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) N/A

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) N/A

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw: N/A

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict.N/A

 

Mover: Christina de Castell
Seconder: Gwen Bird

Title of Resolution Campaign for political action to combat discrimination and hate directed at equity-seeking groups

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution This resolution seeks support from BCLA for the Vancouver Public Library Board’s call to politicians to seek ways to combat discrimination and hate directed at equity-seeking groups, potentially through law reform.

Equity-seeking groups face barriers to accessing library services because of the discrimination they may experience while within library spaces, and because of the discrimination that they experience within our communities. Increasing polarization and discriminatory activity in the online environment has physical world consequences, and the current legal and policy environment is not adequately protecting members of equity-seeking groups from discrimination and hate.

Public libraries are expected to act in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. VPL recognizes that the public, and members of the library community, have raised the concern that the current legal framework that governs its public meeting room rentals inadequately protects the human rights and dignity of trans, gender diverse and Two Spirit people, as well as other equity-seeking groups.

VPL is undertaking consultation to collectively explore ideas for law and social reform that would reduce discrimination and hatred against, and increase understanding and acceptance of trans, gender diverse and Two Spirit people. This consultation process will include calling on politicians to explore ways to combat discrimination and hate against these and other equity-seeking groups, asking the provincial and federal governments to use the full breadth of mechanisms available to them to enact changes, including the potential for law reform.

As an example of one type of law reform, the federal government could re-consider how to address hate in online publications in the Canadian Human Rights Act. Section 13 of that Act was repealed in 2013. The government may also consider strengthening existing protections under human rights legislation and the Criminal Code or evaluating whether new measures may be required to provide robust protection for the human rights and dignity of equity-seeking groups, in particular trans, gender diverse and Two Spirit people.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) None

Action Proposed

WHEREAS BCLA’s values include Inclusion and Diversity, and Social Responsibility, and acting on these values serves to enable equitable access to library service for all;

AND WHEREAS BCLA members recognize that equity-seeking groups, including LGBTQ2+, racialized and marginalized individuals face barriers to accessing library services;

AND WHEREAS the current legal and policy environment does not adequately protect equityseeking groups;

AND WHEREAS political action is needed, including the potential for law reform, to clarify and address gaps in the legal framework that governs the public use of space in libraries;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT BCLA will send letters on behalf of the membership to politicians to call on provincial and federal governments to engage in study and consultation with the intent to use the full breadth of mechanisms available to government to reduce discrimination and hate towards equity-seeking groups in Canada;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT BCLA will request the participation of CFLA in this call to government.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group Vancouver Public Library / Christina de Castell, Chief Librarian

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) Unable to consult prior to submission deadline

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) Unable to consult prior to submission deadlineA

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) None

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw: Not applicable

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict: Not applicable

 

Mover: Allison Trumble
Seconder: Carla Graebner

Title of Resolution Reaffirming BCLA’s commitment to Net Neutrality

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution In 2008, BCLA adopted a resolution in support of Network (Net) Neutrality, the principle that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) should treat all Internet traffic and content equally, without prioritizing, restricting or blocking specific content or types of traffic. This would include restricting or advantaging specific content or formats, traffic from specific companies or services, or any other discrimination that ISPs may enact.

At the time of the original resolution these principles were being threatened by legislative changes in Canada and the US. While the following years saw many successes in the fight for Net Neutrality, political changes in the United States have brought it under threat once again.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) A resolution referring to Net Neutrality was passed in 2008.

Action Proposed

Whereas BCLA has previously resolved to advocate for Net Neutrality with government and amongst its members;

Whereas 10 years has passed since that resolution;

Whereas Net Neutrality is critical to the free flow of ideas on the internet;

Whereas Net Neutrality is essential in order for new ideas, services, projects, organizations and companies to emerge and flourish on the internet;

Whereas Net Neutrality continues to be threatened by changes in policy in Canada and abroad;

Whereas in the US, the FCC has recently revoked rules that protected Net Neutrality in the United States, and a significant portion of global internet traffic is routed through the US;

Whereas Canadian telecommunications companies continue to lobby for practices that would violate the principles of Net Neutrality;

Be it resolved that BCLA continues to support the principles of Net Neutrality;

Be it further resolved that BCLA will continue to advocate for Net Neutrality whenever it is threatened;

Be it further resolved that BCLA will continue to encourage the library community to act in support of Net Neutrality.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group Information Policy Committee

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) The Information Policy Committee was consulted by email on topics to put forward for resolutions this year, and this was one of the topics identified.

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) Members of the Information Policy Committee drafted and consulted on this resolution.

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) n/a

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state
the new bylaw: n/a

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service. n/a

Mover: Allison Trumble
Seconder: Janis McKenzie

Title of Resolution Including Privacy in BCLA’s Values Statement

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution Recent events concerning the fallout of Facebook’s data practices have brought privacy concerns to the centre of public discussion once again. Public interest in privacy waxes and wanes but the importance of privacy remains as integral for the ability of people to pursue their needs and interests. BCLA has often advocated in the past against threats to privacy in legislation and elsewhere. Both the ALA Code of Ethics and the CFLA Code of Ethics enshrine privacy as a core concern. Including privacy as one of BCLA’s core values would enhance the Association’s ability to advocate for privacy protections in wider society, and would provide further guidance to its members on the importance of privacy in libraries.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) n/a

Action Proposed

Whereas privacy is widely recognized as a core library value;

Whereas BCLA has historically engaged in advocacy surrounding privacy concerns;

Whereas privacy continues to be threatened by new technological and societal developments;

Whereas BCLA is planning to undertake a review of its Values Statement;

Be it resolved that BCLA adopt and include Privacy as part of its Values Statement. Possible wording would be:

Privacy

BCLA recognizes that protecting the privacy of library patrons and staff is critical to upholding its stated values regarding access and inclusion, intellectual freedom, innovation and creativity, diversity, literacy and lifelong learning, and accountability. BCLA advocates for robust privacy protections within libraries and society at large.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group Information Policy Committee

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) The Information Policy Committee was consulted by email for resolution topics to put forward. This was one of the topics identified.

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) Members of the Information Policy Committee drafted and consulted on the text of this resolution.

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) n/a

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw: n/a

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service. n/a

Mover: Amy von Stackelberg
Seconder: Kerry France

Title of Resolution Sexual and Gendered Harassment in Libraries

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution The purpose of this resolution is to make a position statement on sexual and gendered harassment in libraries. Sexual and gendered harassment is a human rights violation. The library profession puts high value on human rights and non-discrimination.

According to the BC Human Rights Code, sexual harassment is a form of discrimination. It includes treatment by a customer or client, co-worker, supervisor or employer. BC government factsheets say sexual harassment can include:

• unwelcome touching
• offensive jokes or remarks about women or men
• sexual requests or suggestions
• leering or staring
• unwelcome comments about a person’s body
• showing sexual images
• comments not sexual in nature, but directed at a person because of their gender

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) This resolution has no prior history.

Action Proposed

Whereas the BC Human Rights Code recognizes sexual and gendered harassment as a form of discrimination;

Be it resolved that BCLA will support members by exploring and sharing opportunities for members to understand their rights when faced with sexual and gendered harassment.

Be it further resolved that BCLA will include a 2019 conference session focused on relevant legislation and best practises to support members’ understanding and awareness.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group Amy von Stackelberg

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) n/a

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) n/a

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) Staff time

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw: n/a

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service. Resolution affirms rights that already exist by statute.

Mover: Ursula Brigl, Treasurer
Seconder: Heather Buzzell, BCLA President

Title of Resolution To Revise Institutional Membership Fees

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution Institutional fees have not increased in 5 years but the activities of the Association have been impacted by inflation over these 5 years. Before asking the Membership for an increase in fees the past three BCLA Boards, working with the Executive Director and staff, have streamlined the work and expenditures of the Association. The proposed change is meant to be the least amount possible in order to continue the streamlined activities of the Association. This increase helps the Association maintain financial stability.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) Last Membership Fee Increase was in 2010. The increase at that time was between fifteen and sixty dollars depending on the annual operating budget.

Action Proposed
Whereas the British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) has not raised institutional membership fees since 2010;

Whereas BCLA’s institutional membership fees have not kept up with inflation;

Whereas BCLA’s institutional membership scale currently recognizes all institutions with an operating budget of over $5,000,000 as one category:

Therefore be it resolved that a new institutional membership category be created recognizing institutions that have an annual operating budget of over $10,000,000, and that the category beginning at $5,000,000 is now stated as $5,000,000 to $9,999,999.

Therefore be it resolved that institutional membership fees be increased as follows;

Annual Operating Budget between $100,000 and $999,999 from $135 to $150.
Annual Operating Budget between $1,000,000 and $4,999,999 from$200 to $250
Annual Operating Budget between $5,000,000 and $9,999,999 from $250 to $300
Annual Operating Budget over $10,000,000 set at $350

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group BCLA Board of Directors

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) BCLA Board of Directors which includes representatives from YAACS, LTAS and ALS as well as student representatives.

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) BCLA Board of Directors

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) This increase helps the Association maintain financial stability.

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw: n/a

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service. n/a

Mover: Ursula Brigl, Treasurer
Seconder: Heather Buzzell, BCLA President

Title of Resolution Revision of By-Law 6.1a : Election of Directors and Officers

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution The purpose of the change is to ease, and more precisely articulate, the process for nominating members to the BCLA Board of Directors. Currently the nomination process calls for original signatures on the nomination form. This means that nominators must all add a signature and then the form is scanned and sent to the office, or a hard copy is mailed to the office. The proposed change will allow for nominators to add their names and email contact information to an online nomination form that is completed electronically by nominators and collected electronically by the BCLA office. This change brings the nomination process in line with other such processes used by the BCLA administration while making the nomination process less cumbersome for members.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) N/A

Action Proposed
Whereas the current BCLA By-Law 6.1a reads,

To prepare a suggested slate of Officers and Directors, to distribute it to the members at least (1) one month before the Annual General Meeting, and at the same time to call for further nominations. Each such further nomination shall be signed by (3) three members and be accompanied by the written consent of the nominee,

and this wording does not allow for an electronic nomination process;

Therefore be it resolved that BCLA By-Law 6.1a should be changed to read,

To prepare a suggested slate of Officers and Directors, to distribute it to the members at least (1) one month before the Annual General Meeting, and at the same time to call for further nominations. Each such further nomination shall be supported by (3) three members and be accompanied by the written consent of the nominee.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group BCLA Board of Directors

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) BCLA Board of Directors which includes representatives from YAACS, LTAS and ALS as well as student representatives.

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) BCLA Board of Directors

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) N/A

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw: 

Current BCLA By-Law 6.1a reads, To prepare a suggested slate of Officers and Directors, to distribute it to the members at least (1) one month before the Annual General Meeting, and at the same time to call for further nominations. Each such further nomination shall be signed by (3) three members and be accompanied by the written consent of the nominee,

Proposed change to the BCLA By-Law 6.1a, To prepare a suggested slate of Officers and Directors, to distribute it to the members at least (1) one month before the Annual General Meeting, and at the same time to call for further nominations. Each such further nomination shall be supported by (3) three members and be accompanied by the written consent of the nominee.

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict.N/A

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service. N/A

Mover: Carla Graebner, Treasurer
Seconder: Chris Middlemass, Director

Title of Resolution Additional Level for Individual Membership Fees

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution The addition of a new level of individual membership fees based on income recognizes the increasing number of positions in the library community that have an annual income of over $75,000.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) none

Action Proposed

Current Fee Structure for Personal membership
My salary falls below $15,000 : $25.00
My salary falls between $15,000 and $29,999 : $65.00
My salary falls between $30,000 and $44,999 : $85.00
My salary falls between $45,000 and $59,999 : $100.00
My salary falls between $60,000 – $74,999 per year) : $120.00
My salary exceeds $75,000 : $140.00
Unemployed : $25.00
Student : $0.00
Retirees from library/info profession : $50.00
Persons outside Library Profession : $70.00
Members/Past Members of Library Board (i.e. Trustees) : $60.00

Proposed Fee Structure for Personal membership
My salary falls below $15,000 : $25.00
My salary falls between $15,000 and $29,999 : $65.00
My salary falls between $30,000 and $44,999 : $85.00
My salary falls between $45,000 and $59,999 : $100.00
My salary falls between $60,000 – $74,999 per year) : $120.00
My salary falls between $75,000 and $89,999 : $140.00
My salary exceeds $90,000 : $160.00
Unemployed : $25.00
Student : $0.00
Retirees from library/info profession : $50.00
Persons outside Library Profession : $70.00
Members/Past Members of Library Board (i.e. Trustees) : $60.00

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group BCLA Board of Directors

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) BCLA Board of Directors

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) none

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) Will have a small impact on membership revenue

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw. n/a

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service. n/a

Mover: Myron Groover, Second Vice President
Seconder: Heather Buzzell, Incoming President

Title of Resolution Amendment to update BCLA By-laws to reflect changes in Board Member titles. Amendment to By-laws to change Board of Director election rotation to electing two directors each year. Extend the current Second Vice President position by one year to balance shift in election rotation schedule.

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution The BCLA Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt the attached articulation of Board Roles and Responsibilities. As part of this motion the name “Second-Vice President” was changed to “Director” and thus relevant language in the By-laws needs to be amended to reflect this change.

Currently BCLA elects three directors one year (one being the Second Vice President) and one director in the alternating year. In order to balance elections, maintain continuing Board knowledge, and to provide better recruitment opportunities, the BCLA Board proposes electing two directors in alternating years.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) The current iteration of Board Roles and Responsibilities (see attached) acknowledges that responsibility for Membership is equal to Board responsibilities for Fund-Raising and Communications. This change helps the Association clearly articulate Board roles and responsibilities.

The 2009 Resolution “Amended Constitution and By-Laws” changed, among many things, the Board title “Membership Secretary” to “Second-Vice President”. The title “Second Vice-President” is confusing, its responsibilities are not clearly defined, and it is frequently misinterpreted as ‘President-elect’. (Note: The incumbent shall keep the title until the end of the 2014/2015 Board term in order to  harmonise the new proposed election schedule for Directors at Large – see below.)

Action Proposed
By-law 4.2 changes from: “The Officers of the Association shall be the President, VicePresident/President elect, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Second Vice President” to “The Officers of the Association shall be the President, Vice-President/President elect, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer.”

By-law 5.2: “The Second Vice-President shall serve a two (2) year term” is deleted and replaced by a change in By-law 5.4 from: “Three of the Directors at Large positions will be elected for two-year terms with the election of one two-year position taking place in an alternate year.” To “Four Directors at Large will be elected for two-year terms, with the election of two Directors at Large taking place in alternate years.”

In order to facilitate this change the BCLA Board proposes extending the Second Vice President position one additional year as a Director at large. This will allow for future elections to include two Directors per year.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group BCLA Board of Directors

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) BCLA Board of Directors

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) BCLA Board of Directors

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) none

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw:
By-law 4.2 changes from: “The Officers of the Association shall be the President, VicePresident/President elect, Recording Secretary,Treasurer and Second Vice President” to “The Officers of the Association shall be the President, Vice-President/President elect, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer.”

By-law 5.2: “The Second Vice-President shall serve a two (2) year term” is deleted and replaced by a change in By-law 5.4 from: “Three of the Directors at Large positions will be elected for two-year terms with the election of one two-year position taking place in an alternate year.” To “Four Directors at Large will be elected for two-year terms, with the election of two Directors at Large taking place in alternate years.”

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service. n/a

Mover: Carla Graebner, Treasurer
Seconder: Sara Stang, Director, ALPS

Title of Resolution Change Auditors for BCLA finances

Rationale / Purpose for ResolutionThe BCLA is committed to providing transparent and understandable financial accounts. To streamline accounting practices, the Board recommends engaging the services of an auditor who understands the specific needs of charitable organizations like the BCLA. Changing auditors from time to time is a normal practice for any association. We believe that working with a new auditing firm will give us a fresh perspective on current financial practices and provide assistance with our budgeting process. We plan to continue to evolve our accounting practices so they are clear and transparent to members, and believe that the guidance of a new auditing firm will move the Association further in this direction.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) None

Action Proposed
That the BCLA Board discharge the current Auditors, Collins Barrow per the direction in the Societies Act and hire David Steele and Company to audit the BC Library Association in 2014

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group BCLA Board of Directors

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) BCLA Board of Directors

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) BCLA Board of Directors

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) none

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw: n/a

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service. n/a

Mover: Myron Groover
Seconder: Jonathan Schatz

Title of Resolution Aaron Swartz Memorial Resolution

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution Framework for remembering and honouring the life and work of Aaron Swartz, whose efforts to ensure the accessibility of information stand as an inspiration to the library community and the world.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) N/A

Body of the Resolution (Action Proposed)

Whereas the British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) and the broader community of those who support open access to published materials lost a valued colleague on January 11, 2013, with the tragic death of 26-year-old Aaron Swartz;

Whereas Aaron Swartz was a tireless and outspoken advocate of intellectual freedom and the rights of individuals to freely access information;

Whereas he was a team member of Creative Commons, a group that simplifies access to free copyright licenses for authors;

Whereas Aaron Swartz founded the organization Demand Progress, which campaigned against the “Stop Online Piracy Act” (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act, thus contributing to the failure of the legislation;

Whereas the international library community lost a leader who was the chief architect of Open Library.org –an online project that fostered collaboration with librarians and intended to “…build the world’s greatest library, then put it up on the Internet free for all to use…” according to Swartz in a 2007 announcement of the project;

Whereas Aaron Swartz was a member of a group that co-authored RSS 1.0 (also known as Really Simple Syndication) –a widely used Internet- based tool that enables publishers and users the ability to syndicate and/or manage digital data from multiple source points;

Whereas he helped to create Reddit, Inc – a social news and entertainment site which holds the distinction of being the first social media site to be used by a sitting United States President (President Barack Obama) to engage with voters in a live online question and answer session;

Whereas Aaron Swartz was dedicated to the exploration and understanding of ethics, political action, and how to apply knowledge to improving people’s lives, as demonstrated by his 2010-2011 tenure as a fellow at the Harvard University Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics;

Whereas Aaron Swartz was loved and respected by his family, friends, co-workers, and many individuals, both in the Canada and around the world; and

Whereas his true legacy lies in the profound effect that he had on countless individuals and institutions to engage in critical conversations regarding the importance of open access and the dissolving of internet censorship; therefore be it

Resolved, that the British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) on behalf of its members;

1. recognizes the significant contributions of Aaron Swartz over the course of his distinguished career and mourns his death;
2. expresses its sincere sympathy to his family, loved ones, and colleagues throughout the world, and his many friends and admirers both within and outside of the library community; and
3. encourages libraries and librarians to remain vigilant in protecting and extending the public domain, and to promoting and developing new means of providing access to and openly disseminating information

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group Information Policy Committee

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) Information Policy Committee

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) Information Policy Committee

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) n/a

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw. n/a
If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a
If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service.

Mover: Myron Groover
Seconder: Heather Morrison

Title of Resolution Muzzling of government employees

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution Framework for activism to support employees of Library and Archives Canada, employees of other government libraries, and government scientists.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) N/A (The 2012 Library and Archives Canada resolution is somewhat related).

Body of the Resolution (Action Proposed)

Whereas the Canadian federal government is actively muzzling government employees, including librarians, archivists and scientists; and

Whereas evidence-based policy making and the practice of democracy require access to the information that these government employees normally make available to the public; and

Whereas the expertise of government employees is essential; and

Whereas this muzzling has further tarnished the Government of Canada’s reputation both at home and abroad; and

Whereas BCLA and other library associations strongly support intellectual freedom;

Therefore, be it resolved that

BCLA affirms the rights and responsibilities of federal scientists and information workers to conduct their work in the manner established through long standing tradition ad practice including the right to present government research to the media and members of the public, and to publish, teach and participate in professional practice; and be it further resolved that

BCLA undertakes to support these rights and responsibilities through such means as working with other organizations to advance advocacy, inform members and continue to push for positive change

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group Information Policy Committee

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) Information Policy Committee, Intellectual Freedom Committee

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) Information Policy Committee, Intellectual Freedom Committee

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) n/a

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw. n/a

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a

BCLA Resolution Backgrounder: Muzzling of Government Employees

Seanna Martin │April 1, 2013

Introduction

The Information Policy Committee (IPC) strongly opposes the muzzling of government employees, including librarians, archivists, and scientists working for the federal government of Canada. Recent restrictions placed upon the actions of these federal employees interfere with their personal and intellectual freedoms, and hinder access to information for the broader Canadian public. IPC plans to present a resolution at the BCLA AGM that will provide a framework for activism to support these employees and the democratic principles which they are tasked with upholding.

Why Now?

IPC was moved to issue a resolution at this time due to the recent public unveiling of Library and Archives Canada’s (LAC) Code of Conduct, which was to have been developed in keeping with the values and spirit of the broader governmental code of conduct, Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.

As the national institution tasked with preserving and making accessible Canada’s history, LAC plays a central role in safeguarding Canada’s national heritage; by association, it should be upholding the tenets of librarianship appropriate to information workers in a democratic nation. Instead the Code of Conduct contains a number of problematic provisions which are in direct opposition to many of these principles. Most glaringly LAC’s Code of Conduct prohibits all employees, volunteers, and contractors from teaching at educational institutions and speaking at or attending conferences without permission from management. If those conferences or teaching engagements relate to the mandate of Library and Archives Canada – in other words, if they have anything to do with libraries, archives, and technology – employees are forbidden outright from participating and may not even seek permission to attend. These activities are labeled “high risk” and their prohibition effectively prevents LAC employees from engaging professionally outside of the workplace and infringes upon their personal freedom.

This muzzling is not limited to federal workers in heritage and information organizations. For many years, scientific experts working for the Canadian government have routinely been prevented from speaking to the media about their research—especially when scientific findings run counter to government policies. The Canadian Science Writers’ Association has extensively documented this muzzling of government scientists from 2008 onwards, and concern over the impact of these ‘muzzling’ practices on the ability of journalists to convey scientific information to the Canadian public has become so widespread that recently the Federal Information Commissioner of Canada launched a formal investigation into six departments (1) implicated in the matter.

Policy/Code Implications

As a case in point, LAC’s “Code of Conduct” is in direct conflict with two of the most important tenets of librarianship: intellectual freedom and access to information. According to the Canadian Library Association’s (CLA) position statement on intellectual freedom:

All persons in Canada have the fundamental right, as embodied in the nation’s Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to have access to all expressions of knowledge, creativity and intellectual activity, and to express their thoughts publicly. This right to intellectual freedom, under the law, is essential to the health and development of Canadian society.

Excessively regulating the personal activities of federal employees is clearly counter to the ideals of a democratic society and raises serious questions about the legitimacy of this level of control. The Supreme Court of Canada has acknowledged that, “[Canada’s] democratic system is deeply rooted in, and thrives on, free and robust public discussion of public issues,” and also that public servants need to be able to speak publicly about societal issues (within reason) and should not be made “silent members of society” (Fraser v. P.S.S.R.B., [1985] 2 S.C.R. 455). LAC’s “Code of Conduct” is excessively regulatory and infringes on the intellectual freedom to which civil servants are entitled.

The muzzling of government employees also restricts ‘access to information,’ another fundamental principle of librarianship. CLA’s code of ethics explicitly states that members have a responsibility to “facilitate access to any or all sources of information which may be of assistance to library users” (CLA Code of Ethics, 1976), and LAC’s own mandate proscribes that LAC be a “source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada as a free and democratic society” (Library and Archives Canada Act, 2004).

By restricting the communications of librarians, archivists, and scientists, the current government effectively controls the flow of information relayed to the public in a manner that seems more dictatorial than democratic. Another provision of the LAC “Code of Conduct” broadly prohibits LAC employees from expressing their professional opinions, even when off-duty; this effectively gives LAC management complete control of the information disseminated from within the organization. The muzzling of federal scientists is equally worrisome; Canadians are too often prevented from learning about scientific developments and findings. Scientists must receive approval before interacting with media, are frequently required to use pre-approved lines, and are altogether prohibited from speaking about certain subjects. Such measures place control of information in the hands of a few and prevent librarians, archivists, scientists, and other government workers from sharing taxpayer-funded knowledge and information with citizens. This information should rightly be considered public property.

IPC’s proposed resolution against the muzzling of government employees is especially relevant at this time due to the current public interest in LAC’s “Code of Conduct”, but the necessity of such a resolution extends beyond the present. The long term impact of “muzzling” policies on the values and principles of librarianship is both broad and damaging; this needs to be continually addressed, now and in future.

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1 Environment, Fisheries and Oceans, Natural Resources, National Defence, the Treasury Board Secretariat, National Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Mover: Ursula Brigl
Seconder: Chris Middlemass

Title of Resolution Update BCLA By-laws 13 and 14

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution BCLA is a member-driven organization that should, whenever possible, support members making independent decisions that best suit the work they do within the Association.

Currently BCLA has several long-standing, active and involved Committees who, because of the way the bylaws are articulated, need Board approval for the appointment of a new Chair. This resolution would change this aspect of the by-laws and support members of Committees to vote for and appoint the Chair of their choice without Board involvement.

Currently BCLA by-laws state that only “Chairs of the Committees shall act in an advisory capacity to the Directors and assist them generally. They shall attend meetings of the Directors when requested, and perform such other duties as may be entrusted to them.” Interest Groups as well as Committees perform vital roles and functions within the Association and should be recognized for their often specialized knowledge and expertise. Chairs of Interest Groups should be acknowledged as potential contributors to Board meetings and as advisors to Board members when necessary.

When BCLA members meet and decide to form a group within the Association they should be allowed to decide what designation they would prefer – Committee or Interest Group. Once the BCLA Board no longer appoints a Committee Chair and once Interest Group Chairs are also included as Board advisors, there is no distinction between a Committee and an Interest Group. Given this, any group of individuals engaged in the work of the Association should be free to decide if they will be called a Committee or an Interest Group.

Currently the definition of a Working Group is either vague or undefined in the BCLA By-laws. Having an articulated definition will help with both the work of the Board and the operational activities of the Association. A clear definition of a Working Group will also distinguish it from either a Committee or a Working Group.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) none

Action Proposed

Whereas BCLA Committees should elect and appoint their own Chair,

Whereas Interest Groups should be formally recognized as providing support and information directly to the BCLA Board,

Whereas any group in BCLA should be able to decide whether they want to be designated an Interest Group or a Committee,

Whereas BCLA needs a formal articulation of the difference between a Working Group and Committees and Interest Groups,

Therefore be it resolved that,

BCLA will adjust by-law sections 13 and 14 to:

Allow Committees to elect and appoint their own Chairs,

Formally recognize the importance and role of Interest Group in providing information to the BCLA Board,

Support any BCLA group’s decision to call themselves either an Interest Group or Committee

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group BCLA Board of Directors

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) Issue originally brought to the Board by the Mentorship Committee

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) n/a

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) n/a

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw. Both current and new articulations of by-law Section 13 and 14 are attached.

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service. n/a

Current By-Laws

13. COMMITTEES

13.1 Committees and Committee Chairs shall be appointed by the Board of Directors to perform duties specified by the Board of Directors, and shall hold office for the time specified, until their successors are appointed, or until they are discharged. The Committee Chairs may appoint a Vice- Chair to assist them in their duties; however one person will be designated as the primary representative of the Committee. The President and Executive Director are ex-officio members of every Committee.

13.2 A majority of a Committee shall be a quorum. The Board of Directors may fill a vacancy arising on a Committee by appointment.

13.3 The Chairs of the Committees shall act in an advisory capacity to the Directors and assist them generally. They shall attend meetings of the Directors when requested, and perform such other duties as may be entrusted to them.

13.3 The Association will provide meeting space at the annual conference for Committees. Those meetings will be free of charge and open to all members of the Association.

13.4 Members of Committees shall also be members of the Association in good standing.

14. INTEREST GROUPS

14.1 The purpose of Interest Groups is to allow members of the Association having a common interest in some aspect of library service that is not dealt with in the formal structure of BCLA to meet and correspond on the subject.

14.2 Interest Groups do not officially represent BCLA and cannot issue policy or position statements or media releases on behalf of the Association.

14.3 Interest Groups may be proposed on the application of not less than ten members of the Association in good standing. The application shall state the aims or terms of reference of the Interest Group and should be in harmony with overall BCLA goals, objectives and policies. The application shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval.

14.4 Interest Groups shall elect one of their members as Convenor. The Convenor may appoint a vice convenor, but one person shall be designated as the primary representative of the Interest Group. The Convenor will be responsible for liaison with the Board of Directors and will submit an annual report of the Interest Group’s activities to the Board of Directors at the request of the Executive Director, and before the Annual Meeting. The Convenor shall attend meetings of the Directors when requested. Aside from the mandatory Convenor, each Interest Group may design its own structure to suit its needs.

14.5 The Association will provide meeting space at the annual conference for Interest Groups. Those meetings will be free of charge and open to all members of the Association.

14.6 The Association shall not collect membership or other fees for Interest Groups. However, Interest Groups may independently elect to assess their members for dues.

14.7 The Board of Directors may vote to dissolve an Interest Group under any one of the following conditions:

a) an annual report has not been submitted by March 31 of every year;

b) a Convenor has not been chosen by the Interest Group by September 30 every year;

c) the Interest Group has less than ten BCLA members in good standing. A list of BCLA members that support the Interest Group must be submitted annually by March 30 to the Office Manager.

d) The Board of Directors may also move to discontinue the Association’s relationship with an Interest Group if they feel it is no longer compatible with the objects of the Association.

14.8 Members of Interest Groups shall also be members of the Association in good standing.

Proposal for Updating By-Laws

13. Working Groups

13.1 A Working Group is formed at either Board or Executive Director request, depending on whether the task is in support of a Board objective or in support of operational activities.

13.2 A Working Group is formed for a specific task and for a predetermined amount of time not to exceed one year. When the task is complete the group is dissolved.

13.3 The structure and task of the Working Group is determined by either the Board, if the Working Group is tasked to support a Board objective or by the Executive Director if the Working Group is tasked to support operational activities.

14. Committees and Interest Groups

14.1 The purpose of a Committee or Interest Groups is to allow members of the Association having a common interest in some aspect of library service that is not dealt with in the formal structure of BCLA to meet and correspond on the subject..

14.2 Once a group is assembled according to the by-laws the group can decide on whether they want to be called a Committee or an Interest Group. The BCLA President and Executive Director are ex-officio members of all Committees and Interest Groups.

14.3 The Convenors of Committees and Interest Groups shall act in an advisory capacity to the Directors and the Executive Director and assist them generally.They shall attend meetings of the Directors when requested, and perform such other duties as may be entrusted to them.

14.4 Committees and Interest Groups do not officially represent BCLA and cannot issue policy or position statements or media releases on behalf of the Association.

14.5 Committees and Interest Groups may be proposed on the application of not less than ten members of the Association in good standing.The application shall state the aims or terms of reference of the Committee or Interest Group and should be in harmony with overall BCLA goals, objectives and policies. The application shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval.

14.6 Committees and Interest Groups shall elect one of their members as Convenor. The Convenor may appoint a viceͲconvenor, but one person shall be designated as the primary representative of the Committee or Interest Group. The Convenor will be responsible for liaising with the Board of Directors and will submit an annual report of the group’s activities to the Board of Directors at the request of the Executive Director, and before the Annual Meeting.The Convenor shall attend meetings of the Directors when requested.Aside from the mandatory Convenor, each group may design its own structure to suit its needs.

14.7 The Association will provide meeting space at the annual conference for Committees and Interest Groups.Those meetings will be free of charge and open to all members of the Association.

14.8 The Association shall not collect membership or other fees for Interest Groups. However, groups may independently elect to assess their members for dues.

14.9 The Board of Directors may vote to dissolve a Committee or Interest Group under any one of the following conditions:

a) an annual report has not been submitted by March 31 of every year;

b) a Convenor has not been chosen by the Committee or Interest Group by September 30 every year;

c) the Committee or Interest Group has less than ten BCLA members in good standing. A list of BCLA members that support the Interest Group must be submitted annually by March 30 to the Office Manager.

d) The Board of Directors may also move to discontinue the Association’s relationship with an Interest Group if they feel it is no longer compatible with the objects of the Association.

14.10 Members of Committees and Interest Groups shall also be members of the Association in good standing.

Mover: Carla Graebner
Seconder: Shawna Kristin

Title of Resolution: Save Library and Archives Canada

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution: Changes have been implemented at LAC that have far-reaching implications; including reduced public access,
decentralization of the national collection, elimination of specialist positions, and reduced acquisitions

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) :None

Action Proposed: Support the CAUT campaign to save LAC and encourage BCLA members to write letters to restore funding and mandate to LAC

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group: Information Policy Committee

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY): Information Policy Committee

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY): Information Policy Committee

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) :None

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw: N/A

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict: N/A

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service: LAC is Canada’s National Library. Any impact to it will have repercussions across the country in terms of collections, access, preservation and professionalization.

• BCLA Letter to James Moore about LAC
• Responses to letter:
  • from James Moore
  • From Elizabeth May, Green Party. June 20, 2012 (by e-mail)

Title of Resolution: Resolution on Access Copyright and Academic Libraries in Canada

Mover: Heather Morrison
Seconder: Niina Mitter

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution: Fair and balanced copyright; support libraries and post-secondary institutions taking a stand on this issue

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY)

Action Proposed:

WHEREAS In 2011, over 30 Canadian universities and colleges opted out of licensing agreements with Access Copyright, The Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency, due to both Access Copyright’s significant increase in per student fees as well as the introduction of what many considered to be intrusive and impractical monitoring requirements.

and

WHEREAS In January 2012, two universities, the University of Toronto and the University of Western Ontario entered into a voluntary licensing agreement with Access Copyright.

and

WHEREAS from a library perspective, one of the most troubling aspects of the deal signed with Access Copyright is that it gives Access Copyright additional rights that simply do not exist under Canada’s copyright legislation, specifically, defining copying to include “posting a link or hyperlink to a digital copy”, a definition not upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada.

and

WHEREAS the Newfoundland and Labrador Library Association “strongly urges universities and colleges, particularly those in Newfoundland and in Atlantic Canada, not to capitulate to Access Copyright’s unfair and unreasonable demands”.

and

WHEREAS The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is also condemning the agreement, advising universities and colleges that “It‘s time to stand up for the right to fair and reasonable access to copyrighted works for educational purposes.”

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the British Columbia Library Association strongly urge universities and colleges, particularly those in British Columbia, not to capitulate to Access Copyright’s unfair and unreasonable demands, but rather to stand up for the right to fair and reasonable access to copyrighted works for educational purposes. In particular, BCLA supports and applauds BC postsecondary institutions that have elected to opt out of Access Copyright and chosen alternative methods of supporting fair and balanced copyright at their institutions, and encourages all BC post-secondary institutions to opt out of Access Copyright. Any BC post-secondary institutions that choose not to opt out of Access Copyright are strongly encouraged, before signing, to strike out audit requirements that compromise the privacy of faculty, staff or students, and the clause which defines linking as copying, and to proactively negotiate a more reasonable rate. BCLA might pursue this Resolution through such means as sending letters to the Presidents of BC’s post-secondary institutions and educating BCLA members.

Acknowledgement: this resolution is based on the Open Letter: Access Copyright and Academic Libraries in Canada crafted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Library Association, dated February 12, 2012.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group: Information Policy Committee

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY): Information Policy Committee

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY): Information Policy Committee

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY): n/a

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state
the new bylaw:  n/a

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict: n/a

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service. n/a

• BCLA Letter to BC College and University Presidents

Mover: Tamarack Hockin
Seconder: Vaunda Dumont

Title of Resolution Establishing the Library Technicians’ and Assistants’ Section of the British Columbia Library Association

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution WHEREAS it is the desire of the Library Technicians’ and Assistants’ Interest Group to form the Library Technicians’ and Assistants’ Section of the British Columbia Library Association in order to better meet the needs of library technicians and assistants throughout British Columbia;

AND WHEREAS ten per cent (10%) of British Columbia Library Association members in good standing have signed a petition indicating their support for this initiative;

AND WHEREAS the Board of Directors of the British Columbia Library Association has deemed the aims, Constitution and By‐laws of the proposed Library Technicians’ and Assistants’ Section to be in harmony with the objectives of the British Columbia Library Association:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Library Technicians’ and Assistants’ Section be established as a valid Section of the British Columbia Library Association, with all of the accompanying duties, responsibilities, and privileges.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY) In April of 2012 a petition signed by 10% of BCLA members in good standing was submitted to the BCLA Board requesting that the Library Technicians’ and Assistants’ Interest Group be reconstituted as the Library Technicians’ and Assistants’ Section (LTAS) of BCLA. LTAS shall primarily serve library technicians and assistants, including students of library and information technology diploma programs, living or working in B.C. LTAS’ mission is to provide relevant professional development, networking opportunities, and advocacy for library technicians and assistants in B.C.

As a Section of BCLA, LTAS will be entitled to a seat on the BCLA Board and will be allocated meeting space at the annual conference for its AGM.

Action Proposed A new LTAS Director position to be added to the Board and BCLA staff to provide the necessary administrative support to the new Section.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group: Library Technicians’ and Assistants’ Interest Group

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) ‐‐
Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) ‐‐
Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) N/A

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw: N/A

If this resolution conflicts with an existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict: N/A

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service: N/A

Mover: Adrienne Wass, Second Vice-President
Seconder: Chris Middlemass

A Resolution to revise BCLA Institutional Membership Dues

WHEREAS, The British Columbia Library Association has not raised dues for several years;

WHEREAS, BCLA’s Institutional Membership Dues have not kept pace with inflation;

WHEREAS, Compared to other library associations, the BCLA may arguably be under-charging for its unique, Institutional Memberships;

RESOLVED that the BCLA urge the revision of its Institutional Membership Dues

1. BCLA Institutional Membership Dues be increased between fifteen and sixty dollars, depending on the category
2. Two person privileges for any Institutional Membership be increased from seventy-five to ninety dollars

RESOLVED, That the British Columbia Library Association Members in attendance at the 2010 Annual General Meeting increase the Institutional Membership Dues.

RESOLVED, That this increase shall take effect January 2011.

• Dues Comparison (before and after changes)

Mover: Jeff Davis
Seconder: Caroline Johnson

Title of Resolution Resolution on Free Speech and BC’s Election Act

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution
In May 2008, the BC legislature made changes to the Election Act which among other things extended restrictions on “advertising” during election campaigns to include individuals and groups spending less than $500, resulting in an impingement on free speech. For example, an ad hoc group of tenants in Vancouver’s West End has been required to register with Elections BC (involving, among other things, submitting names and contact information of all volunteers) for posting material on their website about evictions and putting up posters during a byelection last year, even though the group is not even a registered society.

A number of public interest groups, including the BC Civil Liberties Association and the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, have taken a stand against the implementation of the revised Elections Act. These groups have also formed a campaign to raise awareness of the problem and call for changes.

Ultimately, this is an intellectual freedom issue, as ordinary British Columbians’ right to free expression is being curtailed under the guise of placing limits on election advertising. That makes it an issue for librarians, for whom intellectual freedom is a fundamental value.

The IPC will prepare a backgrounder with more detailed information on the issue prior to the AGM.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY)
None, as it pertains to a law that was only recently passed. However, the Act, as revised, is a threat to free speech, and BCLA has a history of taking a stand on issues of intellectual freedom.

Body of the Resolution (Action Proposed)
WHEREAS free speech is a vital component of a democratic society and a fundamental value of librarianship;

AND WHEREAS the BC legislature passed revisions to the Election Act in May 2008 which puts severe restrictions on the ability of individuals and organizations to speak publicly on matters of public interest during provincial election campaigns, with penalties ranging from fines to time in jail;

AND WHEREAS this process is complaint-driven, resulting in Elections BC acting as a proxy for censorship, thereby undermining open debate on matters of public interest, stifling free expression, and creating a chilling effect;

AND WHEREAS the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, the BC Civil Liberties Association, and other public interest groups have launched a Free to Speak Campaign that aims to:

• raise awareness of the problems with the Election Act,
• demand that Elections BC stop persecuting individual and organizations in the name of enforcing the new restrictions, and
• call for changes to the Election Act to remove those restrictions;

BE IT RESOLVED that BCLA endorse the work of the Free to Speak Campaign on this issue;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that BCLA take a public position against the provisions in the Election Act that restrict the ability of individuals and organizations to speak freely on matters of public interest;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that BCLA write to Elections BC to inform them of the association’s position.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group Information Policy Committee

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY) Information Policy Committee

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY) Information Policy Committee

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY) None.

If this resolution necessitates a change in an existing bylaw, state the bylaw and the change. If this resolution proposes a new bylaw, please state the new bylaw. n/a

If this resolution conflicts with existing bylaw, state provisions for resolving the conflict. n/a

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relation to libraries and library service. (Review BCLA’s mission statement) As mentioned above, this is an intellectual freedom issue, and thus relates to the fundamental values of libraries and library service. It’s also worth noting that BCLA has endorsed the work of groups like BC FIPA and BCCLA in the past; they are allied organizations (see, for example, BCLA’s 2006 resolution endorsing the Campaign for Open Government).

Mover: Jeff Davis
Seconder: Sabina Iseli-Otto

Title of Resolution: Resolution on CanWest and Free Speech

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution:
CanWest is suing local activist Mordecai Briemberg over a parody of the Vancouver Sun, even though Briemberg had nothing to do with creating the parody. Due to CanWest’s dominance over Canadian media, this has had a chilling effect on people’s right to criticize the media and speak freely on contentious issues.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY):
BCLA passed resolutions on media democracy in 2003 and 2007, and has a standing commitment to intellectual freedom.

Action Proposed:
Whereas BCLA passed resolutions opposing media concentration and supporting Media Democracy Day in both 2003 and 2007;

And Whereas CanWest is the largest media conglomerate in Canada and owns The Vancouver Sun, The Vancouver Province, The Vancouver Courier, The Victoria Times-Colonist, The National Post, Global Television and many specialty channels and community newspapers;

And Whereas the greater the concentration of media ownership, the narrower the range of opinions presented through those media;

And Whereas the 2007 BCLA resolution on “Libraries and Media Concentration” stated that “freedom of the press and public access to diverse media and information are prerequisite to a functioning democracy” and affirmed that “libraries are the primary social institution with responsibility to assure the broadest possible availability of a wide range of ideas and information”;

And Whereas CanWest has served Mordecai Briemberg and six other Jane and John Does with a writ of summons charging them with producing a four-page parody of The Vancouver Sun;

And Whereas it is clear this writ is directed mainly at Briemberg’s opposition to the continuing occupation of the West Bank and Gaza by Israel and is intended as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation;

And Whereas political satire and parody both constitute important elements of intellectual freedom, and so play an important role in provoking democratic debate and free thought;

And Whereas CanWest has a pattern of launching Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation and taking other actions to undermine and curtail critical voices;

Be It Resolved that BCLA write an open letter to Canwest calling on them to drop the aforementioned legal suit;

And Be It Further Resolved that BCLA broadly distribute this letter in the library, media activist, and civil liberties communities as well as seek publication in Canwest and other media;

And Be It Resolved that BCLA support the 2008 Media Democracy Day and encourage libraries throughout the province to hold events;

And Be It Resolved that the BCLA work with the Information Policy Committee to develop a series of educational tools, possibly including a travelling workshop, to educate the BCLA membership and the general community on the impact of media concentration.

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY):
This resolution was produced collaboratively by members of the Information Policy Committee.

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY):
This resolution is endorsed by the Information Policy Committee.

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY):
There could be costs associated with any educational tools that BCLA chooses to produce.

If this resolution necessitates a change in existing policy, state the policy and the change:
N/A

If this resolution establishes policy, state the policy:
N/A

If this resolution conflicts with existing policy, state provisions for resolving the conflict:
N/A

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relations to libraries and library service:
This is an issue of intellectual freedom, which is a core library value. Also, libraries are the primary social institution with responsibility to assure the broadest possible availability of a wide range of ideas and information; CanWest’s actions fall under that responsibility.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group:
Information Policy Committee

• Follow up: Letter from BCLA President Lynne Jordon

Moved by D. Grayson
Seconded by T. Robertson

Title of Resolution: Resolution on Network (Net) Neutrality

Rationale / Purpose for Resolution:
Network (Net) Neutrality, the principle that online content should be treated equally by network connectivity providers, is under attack in Canada and in the U.S. Cases of Canadian Internet Service Providers engaging in practices that effective prioritize some and censor other forms of information on their networks have already been documented. Canadian telecommunications policy and regulatory enforcement need to be updated in order for them to preserve the democratic principles of the Internet. Public debate over this topic has already begun and policy-making seems imminent. Library associations should seize this opportunity to educate and advocate for net neutrality.

Prior History of this Resolution (IF ANY):
This resolution has been developed jointly with Danielle Dennie, of the CLA Working Group on Information Policy. We have consulted Canadian experts in Net Neutrality for input in the drafting of this resolution. The same resolution will be presented at the CLA AGM later this spring, with the intent of making a joint statement of position on net neutrality.

Action Proposed:
Whereas the federal government, via the Telecommunications Act, incorporates into Canadian telecommunications policy the value of “common carriage” which requires the separation between the network infrastructure and the content that moves over the network, so that all content is treated equally; and

Whereas Network Neutrality (Net Neutrality) is the principle that all information or service sent over broadband, or high speed internet access, should be treated equally with no degradation or prioritization or privileges based on content, source, ownership or destination of information or service; and

Whereas the public Internet was founded upon principles of openness, including Net Neutrality and equal treatment of content providers by connectivity providers; and

Whereas New Media have not yet been adequately addressed by and incorporated into Canadian telecommunications policy; and

Whereas cases of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) discriminating among content and violating the principles of Net Neutrality in Canada have already been documented; and

Whereas libraries and librarians have a vested interest in maintaining Net Neutrality, both as content providers and as a portal to content via the Internet; and

Whereas it is the position of the British Columbia Library Association that “It is in the interest for libraries and librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions” and “It is the responsibility of library administrators and librarians, as guardians of the peoples’ freedom to read, to contest encroachments upon that freedom” (BCLA Statement on Intellectual Freedom); and

Whereas the IFLA/UNESCO Internet Manifesto Guidelines instruct that “In the interests of keeping the Internet as a neutral mechanism for the delivery of information and services, librarians should resist any efforts to introduce a tiered pricing model or otherwise diminish the neutral nature of the network”;

Therefore, be it resolved that the British Columbia Library Association affirms the right of all in our communities to equitable access to and use of the internet, free from commercial bias; and

Be it further resolved that the British Columbia Library Association urge the Canadian government to re-examine the Telecommunications Act in order to clearly legislate in favour of a neutral Internet, requiring ISPs to comply with common carriage provisions and conduct business in a manner that is open, transparent, and accountable; and

Be it further resolved that the British Columbia Library Association call for the CRTC to develop clear and enforceable rules to protect Net Neutrality; and

Be it further resolved that the British Columbia Library Association educate the library community about Net Neutrality and encourage the library community to act in support of Net Neutrality.

BCLA Committees / Interest Groups Consulted (IF ANY):
Information Policy Committee, Intellectual Freedom Committee

Endorsement by BCLA Committees / Interest Groups (IF ANY):
Information Policy Committee, Intellectual Freedom Committee

Fiscal Implications (IF ANY):
If net neutrality is not maintained, library’s costs for providing Internet service and/or delivering their own content via the Internet could increase.

If this resolution necessitates a change in existing policy, state the policy and the change:
N/A

If this resolution establishes policy, state the policy:
N/A

If this resolution conflicts with existing policy, state provisions for resolving the conflict:
N/A

If this resolution proposes a BCLA position statement, indicate the position’s relations to libraries and library service:
As part of the BCLA mission is “to advance by education and through cooperative effort the mutual interest of all libraries and library personnel” and the principle of net neutrality is in the interest of libraries and library personnel both pragmatically (keeping Internet-related library costs reasonable) and ideologically (in defense of the principle of intellectual freedom/ access to information), adopting a position in favour of net neutrality is in line with the BLCA mission.

Initiating Individual, Committee or Interest Group:
Devon Greyson, Information Policy Committee

• Net Neutrality in a Nutshell (Background)

Submitted by the BCLA Information Policy Committee

Moved by C. Graebner
Seconded by J. Davis

Whereas the British Columbia and Alberta provincial governments have signed the Trade, Investment, and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) effective April 1, 2007, and for municipalities April 1, 2009, without any public consultation or legislative debate;

And Whereas TILMA has been justified by the governments as removing interprovincial barriers to trade but is analogous to the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI);

And Whereas no government entities in those provinces can maintain or establish new measures that restrict or impair trade, investment or labour mobility unless the province can show the restriction or impairment is exempted or justified under TILMA;

And Whereas even those areas exempt from TILMA must use the “least restrictive” regulations thereby hampering local autonomy;

And Whereas there are very few if any measures that could not be interpreted as restrictive including land use planning and zoning, environmental regulations, the Agricultural Land Reserve and services in competition with the private sector which could include health and education services and such library services as reference services, loaning of CD’s and DVD’s and even book loans;

And Whereas TILMA reduces the autonomy of representative institutions to make decisions and provide services in the public good

And Whereas a dispute resolution procedure, outside of the judicial system, permits individuals and business entities to challenge government measures and if successful be awarded monetary damages of up to $5 million for each successful challenge unless the measure is eliminated or otherwise changed to conform to TILMA;

And Whereas the BCLA has previously passed resolutions against the MAI and the World Trade Organization General Agreement on Trade in Services (WTO GATS) because of the primacy given to investment and trade over public services and the public good.

Be It Resolved that this BCLA AGM oppose the TILMA;

And Be It Further Resolved that BCLA communicate this decision and the reasons for it to the BC government and the BC opposition party;

And Be It Resolved that BCLA send a copy of this resolution and background information to Library Boards within British Columbia encouraging them to pass a similar resolution and urging their municipalities to also adopt the resolution.

And Be It Further Resolved that BCLA send a copy of this resolution to the Alberta Library Association encouraging them to pass a similar resolution.

Submitted by the BCLA Information Policy Committee

Moved by D. Greyson
Seconded by B. J. May

Whereas, public libraries are strongly connected to the issues of child development and a child’s lifelong learning, including literacy promotion;

And Whereas, public libraries have been closely working with Child Care Resource and Referral Centres (CCRRs) to augment opportunities for children, parents, and child care workers to use and access learning resources and programs;

And Whereas, libraries, in turn, rely upon the expertise of CCRRs for child care and development information, resources, and programming;

And Whereas, from January 2007 to present, cuts in provincial funding have directly affected CCRRs resulting in service and collection reduction in varying degrees throughout the province, including the elimination of book based services, and potentially downloading these needed services to local public libraries who may not be able to accommodate the additional services;

Be It Resolved that the BCLA write a letter to Premier Gordon Campbell; Minister of State for Childcare, Linda Reid; Minister of Children and Family Development, Tom Christensen; Minister of Finance, Carole Taylor; Minister of Education, Sheila Bond; and the Federal Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Hon. Monte Solberg to protest the cuts;

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA shall ask BCLTA representatives and their member boards to contact their MLAs to encourage their support for maintaining and restoring funding to CCRR.

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA send a press release to local media indicating their concerns about these cuts.

Submitted by the BCLA Information Policy Committee

Moved by C. Graebner
Seconded by B.J. May

Whereas, freedom of the press and public access to diverse media and information are prerequisite to a functioning democracy;

And Whereas, public interest is served by the availability of a broadly diverse range of viewpoints; and one of the fundamental tenets and responsibilities of libraries is both to facilitate and foster this availability;

And Whereas, libraries are the primary social institution with responsibility to assure the broadest possible availability of a wide range of ideas and information;

And Whereas, the consolidation of media ownership in Canada and internationally has the effect of reducing the range of opinions that can be expressed;

And Whereas, BCLA passed a resolution in 2003 voicing concerns about media concentration;

And Whereas, media ownership continues to become more concentrated in British Columbia, with CanWest Global Communications Corporation’s holdings and CTVglobemedia’s proposed 1.7 billion dollar purchase of CHUM Limited;

Be It Resolved that BCLA again encourage libraries and other library associations to engage in public education activities such as displays, bibliographies, web links, and programmes on the current extent of concentration in Canadian and international media industries, and its impact on access to the widest possible range of information and analyses;

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA urge CLA to also monitor and oppose changes occurring in federal policymaking and regulatory processes which might result in further media concentration;

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA submit comments during the CRTC’s planned Fall 2007 hearings on corporate concentration;

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA continue to work with organizations such as the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, Canadian Association of Media Educators, university departments of communication and journalism, local alternate media and other community organizations concerned about media concentration;

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA support public events, such as the independent media fair, taking place in conjunction with the international conference of the Union for Democratic Communications in Vancouver in October 2007.

Submitted by the BCLA Information Policy and Intellectual Freedom Committee

Moved by T. Roberston
Seconded by M. Gonzales Palacios.

Whereas intellectual freedom is a core value of librarianship.

And Whereas freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression are fundamental freedoms under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

And Whereas since 1986, Little Sister’s has fought against the censorship resulting from Canada Customs’ (now Canada Border Services Agency – CBSA) decision to stop shipments of lawful books and magazines destined for that store.

And Whereas in January 2007, the Supreme Court of Canada overturned the 2002 BC Supreme Court decision granting an Order for Advance Costs. This has proved detrimental to the court case proceeding against Canada Customs.

And Whereas access to the legal system is a right.

Be It Resolved that the BCLA send a letter to the Minister of Justice, and opposition party critics, to affirm that people need reasonable access to the legal system to be able to challenge government policy and practices.

Be It Also Resolved that the BCLA send a letter to the Minister of Public Safety who is responsible for Canada Border Services Agency, and opposition party critics, to request the Minister instruct CBSA to stop censoring lawful materials.

Be It Also Resolved that the BCLA also send a letter of support to Jim Deva and Bruce Smyth, Co-owners, and Janine Fuller, Manager, of Little Sister’s Bookstore encouraging them to maintain their fight against censorship and their battle for the freedom of expression in Canada

Submitted by the Information Policy Committee

Moved by C. Graebner
Seconded by W. Knox-Carr

Whereas the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA) has initiated a Campaign for Open Government to reform:

• the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA)
• the way the government administers the FOIPPA
• the under funding of FOI administration and the Commissioner’s office;

And Whereas a wide range of community organizations are involved including Western Canada Wilderness Committee, BC Coalition of People with Disabilities, Sierra Legal Defence Fund, Ethos Strategy Group, BC Health Coalition, BC Civil Liberties Association, Trial Lawyers Association of BC, Adbusters, UBC School of Journalism, Canadian Taxpayers Federation, BC Committee for Racial Justice and the Muslim Canada Federation;

And Whereas libraries were a very active part of the Coalition that lobbied for the original FOIPPA and have participated in subsequent reviews;

And Whereas access to information, particularly government information, is a core value of libraries;

And Whereas the objectives of the Campaign are to implement the recommendations of the 2004 Special Committee on the FOIPPA and to restore funding to the Office of the BC Information and Privacy Commissioner so it can fulfill its mandate;

Be it Therefore Resolved that BCLA support the Campaign for Open Government and appoint a representative to sit on the steering committee.

Presented by the BCLA Information Policy Committee

Moved by Heather Morrison
Seconded by Deborah Hutchison

Whereas, in many parts of the world, Canada is recognized as the birthplace of the community channel;

And Whereas, cable companies in Canada are permitted to charge a levy of 5% of gross subscription revenues to support community television, amounting to substantial sums: $80 million annually across the country, $5 million in the Vancouver area alone;

And Whereas, a Parliamentary Committee has expressed dismay about lack of information on how this money is spent, while community groups report that their access to air time has been severely curtailed;

And Whereas, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage report: Our Cultural Sovereignty, includes two important recommendations for community television: 9.1,
which requires, not just recommends greater access, and 9.8 establishing the Local Broadcasting Initiative Program to fund community television;

Be It Therefore Resolved that BCLA ask the Government of Canada to implement recommendations 9.1 and 9.8 of Our Cultural Sovereignty.

Presented by the BCLA Information Policy

Moved by B. Campbell
Seconded by A. Fennema

Whereas public libraries and community networks across Canada were the main initiators of the Government of Canada’s Connecting Canadians agenda;

And Whereas the Government of Canada, Provincial and Municipal Governments have systematically moved access to government information and forms to the Internet, often to the exclusion of other forms of access;

And Whereas access to the Internet is now a necessity for equal access to government resources and democratic participation;

And Whereas the Community Access Program was developed to fund free, public Internet access;

And Whereas libraries are the main free Internet public access sites in Canada;

And Whereas community networks provide access to socially excluded communities, groups and individuals as well as test new community-based technologies;

And Whereas both libraries and community networks are major participants in overcoming the digital divide;

And Whereas public demand for free Internet public access continues unabated;

And Whereas demand for Internet access now includes training, assistance in printing and filling out important forms such as EI and support in Internet searching;

And Whereas we have been advised that Industry Canada will announce the termination of the CAP program;

And Whereas such cancellation will result in financial hardship for libraries and community networks, especially those in rural and poorer areas, resulting in an increase in the digital divide.

Therefore Be It Resolved that BCLA write to the Minister of Industry Canada urging his reconsideration of the termination of the CAP program and the creation of a program providing ongoing support for library and community networks for public access and training;

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA forward this resolution to the Canadian Library Association, Telecommunities Canada, Pacific Community Network Association and
other provincial and territorial library associations urging them to contact the Minister;

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA write all BC MP’s, sending them a copy of this resolution and expressing are strong opposition to the termination of CAP;

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA urge all BC Library Boards to pass a similar resolution, forwarding a copy to their local MP and to their local municipal or town
council;

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA send a copy of this resolution to the Union of BC Municipalities and urge them to pass a similar resolution and forward it to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to adopt a similar resolution.

Presented by the BCLA Information Policy

Moved by Carla Graebner
Seconded by Jeff Davis

Whereas privacy has been continually eroded and surveillance increased both nationally and internationally since 9/11;

And Whereas the Government of Canada has proposed a series of legislative reforms under the name “Lawful Access,” with the ostensible aim of updating law enforcement and national security capabilities to deal with new technologies;

And Whereas the proposals would require Internet and other telecommunications service providers to ensure that their computer systems have the technical capability to provide lawful access to law enforcement and national security agencies;

And Whereas the proposals would give law enforcement agencies the power, without judicial review, to compel service providers to store and save existing data specific to a transaction or client;

And whereas the proposals would allow law enforcement or national security representatives to compel service providers, upon written or oral request and without judicial review, to provide personal information about specific individual subscribers, including an individual’s name, contact information, and dynamic IP address;

And Whereas the proposals would substantially reduce existing safeguards that limit access to personal information by law enforcement and national security agencies;

And Whereas no empirical data has been provided to justify the proposed measures;

And Whereas the consultation process has not provided adequate opportunity for public participation and debate, despite close cooperation between the government and the telecommunications industry in developing the proposals;

And Whereas the BCLA resolved to oppose Lawful Access in 2003, when similar reforms were first proposed;

And Whereas the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, the BC Civil Liberties Association, and many other organizations have expressed opposition or strong reservations toward the Lawful Access proposals;

Be It Therefore Resolved that BCLA oppose the Lawful Access proposals as presently outlined;

And Be It Further Resolved that BCLA inform all BC Members of Parliament and all national political party leaders of our opposition to these proposals;

And Be It Further Resolved that BCLA write a letter requesting that the consultation process be extended to provide the opportunity for meaningful and representative public debate over these proposals;

And Be It Further Resolved that BCLA undertake efforts to promote education and discussion about the various national initiatives that erode privacy and increase surveillance in Canada.

Moved: BJ May
Seconded: Brian Campbell

WHEREAS the B.C. Library Association passed a resolution at the 2002 annual general meeting expressing the opposition of B.C. libraries to the onerous cutbacks imposed on the Legal Services Society, resolving that BCLA work with other advocacy groups to reverse these government decisions, and asking the BCLA Executive to establish mechanisms for documenting the impact of these and other government cutbacks as they affect the information needs of the people of B.C.;

AND WHEREAS the budget cuts (38% of the Legal Services Society budget cut between 2001 and 2004; full-time legal staff reduced to 21 from 147; 9 regional offices replaced 60 offices around the province) have subsequently affected access to legal services and information particularly in rural communities;

AND WHEREAS funding for legal aid for poverty law cases ceased, and aid for family law cases has been significantly restricted and diminished;

AND WHEREAS equitable access to legal information is a vital and basic information right in a modern society; and web-based or taped information and leaflets may assist some citizens capable of self-directed research and action, but cannot take the place of a trained advocate advising a client and representing him or her in court or at other adjudicative processes;

AND WHEREAS the provincial government announced earlier this year a pre-election reinvestment of $4.6 million in legal aid (which can be used for family law) but this is a figure less than 12% of what has been cut since 2002;

AND WHEREAS there is evidence that shows women are affected disproportionately by these cutbacks because the majority of their issues tend to be addressed in the areas of poverty and family law;

BE IT RESOLVED that this AGM reaffirm the opposition of BCLA to the cutbacks imposed on the Legal Services Society during the past 3 years, requesting that the Legal Services Society once again be given arms-length status from government, and that the funding of legal aid services, particularly in the areas of family, poverty and immigration law, be restored at a minimum to the level that existed before the 2002 cutbacks;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that BCLA write to the leaders of the major political parties during the current electoral campaign, and after the election, write to the Premier, Attorney-General and the Leader of the Opposition expressing concerns about the level of readily-accessible legal information and legal aid funding for poverty, family and immigration law cases; and that such correspondence should be copied to advocacy groups and agencies such as BC Rural Women’s Network, PovNet, and West Coast LEAF.

 

 

Moved by B. Campbell
Seconded by C. Graebner

Whereas the Province of British Columbia is seeking to privatize the Medical Services Plan records administration;

And Whereas American companies are finalists in the bidding on the privatization process;

And Whereas American companies can be compelled by the US Patriot Act legislation to turn over confidential information controlled by the Corporation to
the FBI without notifying the Canadian officials or individuals involved;

And Whereas this will result in the confidential information of British Columbia residents being turned over to the American government authorities;

And Whereas many public sector libraries, knowingly or unknowingly, send confidential patron information to US companies through collection services,
Virtual Reference providers or other Application Service Providers (ASP);

And Whereas the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Commissioner has asked for written submissions to prepare an opinion on this matter;

And Whereas a Right to Privacy Campaign has been formed, consisting of organizations such as the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, BC
Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, the Seniors network, BC Persons with Aids, and the BC Government Employees Union, to oppose the
privatization of medical records;

Be It Resolved that BCLA urge the Provincial Government to not privatize our personal medical records to any American company or affiliate of an American
company; and

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA prepare a submission for the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Commissioner outlining our concerns; and

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA join the Right to Privacy Campaign; and

Be It Further Resolved that BCLA work with other Canadian library organizations to determine the impact of the Patriot Act on library information held by American
companies; and

Be It Further Resolved that this resolution be sent to all British Columbia Library Boards for their action.

Submitted by the BCLA Information Policy Committee

cherished values;

And whereas the scholarly publishing industry has been experiencing a cycle of price increases above inflation rates, leading to library cancellations, leading to further price increases, and so forth, with no relief in sight, and has thus negatively impacted access to research;

And whereas the Open Access alternative involves making peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles freely available over the Web through open access journals and/or author self-archiving;

And whereas British Columbia librarians and faculty are leaders in the Open Access movement, as exemplified by the Public Knowledge Project at UBC and the participation of BC academic libraries in SPARC (Scholarly Publishing and Research Coalition);

And whereas the BCLA has already committed to making its publication, the BCLA Reporter, openly accessible once an online version is available;

And whereas the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) have declared support for Open Access;

Be it resolved that the BCLA formally declare its commitment to Open Access by signing onto one of: the Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities, the Budapest Open Access Initiative, or the Bethesda Statement on Open Access Publishing, and;

Be it further resolved that the BCLA write a letter to the Premier, with copies to presidents of BC post-secondary institutions, applauding local leadership in Open Access, such as the Public Knowledge Project, the CARL Institutional Repository Project, and Library and Archives Canada’s Theses Canada Portal, and;

Be it further resolved that the BCLA encourage the BC library community to support Open Access by cataloguing and providing access to open access journals and promoting awareness of Open Access, and that the BCLA encourage post-secondary institutions to formally declare their support by signing on to Open Access initiatives, and;

Be it further resolved that the BCLA educate the library community in BC about Open Access through articles in the BCLA Reporter, sessions at BCLA Conferences, and information on the BCLA web page.