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Message from the National Librarian
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 © Couvrette/Ottawa |
Over the past year, I have been reviewing the extent to which the National Library of Canada invests in library development at the national and international levels. The National Library of Canada has traditionally been active in a variety of large, multilateral organizations. There, we have played a constructive role and have advanced the cause of library development on an international scale. Similarly, within Canada, the National Library belongs to scores of associations and lends its voice and support to library causes across the country in an effort to strengthen the library network for the good of Canadians.
But have we got it right? If the goal is better library service for readers and learners across the country and around the world, are we investing in the best possible way? I want to be assured that the Library has examined how it spends its resources. Moreover, I want to optimize these investments to ensure the best return - to ensure we are helping people at home and abroad become active participants in today’s global knowledge society.
Part of the answer to this question came as a result of my participation in the Governor General’s State visit to Argentina and Chile in May of this year. Taking into account the multicultural nature of our society, I recognized the benefits for both our partners and ourselves of National Library of Canada staff working side by side with its colleagues on their own turf. And it is for this reason that I signed, in the presence of Her Excellency The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, an agreement with my counterpart in Chile, which has resulted in the launching of Proyecto Adrienne (please see page 7 for more details).
Not only do we want to actively help Canadian libraries, but we are also looking for ways to aid members of the international library community. There is nothing more Canadian than wanting to assist - to help people in Canada and in foreign countries by helping develop their libraries.
There is a place for international organizations, and we will continue to do our share. The global information society demands we work in concert with others to address issues such as free access to information for all, the preservation of our cultural heritage, and repect for a diversity of voices and choices.
By working with our counterparts in other national libraries, we can learn from and assist one another, and we might have a greater return on our investment through a more direct link. Should the National Library of Canada become an active cultural player both at home and abroad, this would entail a shift of expenditures away from support of international organizations and towards bilateral agreements with particular national libraries. This is an idea worth exploring, and discussing with the community and our various partners.
We will keep you posted as our review continues and invite you to send your ideas and comments to me at roch.carrier@nlc-bnc.ca.
Roch Carrier,
National Librarian
