Louis Forget Wins Top Prize at Public Service Awards Ceremony

In honour of his 38 years of exemplary service at the Library and Archives of Canada, Louis Forget received the top prize at the Head of the Public Service Award ceremony held on December 9 in Gatineau, Quebec.

Now in its fifth year, the annual Head of the Public Service Award salutes the outstanding performance of employees of the Public Service of Canada. A total of 20 awards were presented to 232 recipients from the Public Service of Canada, individually and as members of project teams.

First presented in 1998, the Head of the Public Service Award recognizes achievements in four areas: policy development, service delivery, valuing and supporting people, and values and ethics. The program is unique in that nominations can be made by any Public Service employee in recognition of the accomplishments of their peers and co-workers, regardless of level or department/agency.

The following text honouring Mr. Louis Forget was used during the event.

Louis Forget is widely recognized as a pioneer in the application of information technology to library service. During his 38 years with the National Library of Canada, Mr. Forget has led the planning, development and adoption of bibliographic systems that are now being used in national and university libraries across Canada and around the world. More recently, as Director General of Information and Technology Services with the Library and Archives of Canada, he spearheaded the integration of the information technology systems and staffs of the National Library and the National Archives of Canada.

Under Mr. Forget’s leadership, Canadian libraries have consistently been at the forefront of the use of new technology. His innovative ideas continue to benefit Canada’s archival community, as well. Among his many significant achievements, he conceived, developed, and implemented AMICUS, a system that provides ready access to over 25 million bibliographic records to Canadian libraries and the public at large.

Perhaps the greatest measure of Mr. Forget’s contributions to service delivery by the Government of Canada is the exponential growth in the use of the many programs to which he has contributed. As a direct result of his commitment and dedication, Canadians have access to the collections and services of the National Archives, the National Library and its extensive network of libraries throughout the country. His vision was also based on integration and partnership. That Canadians now access digital resources in the Library and Archives of Canada many millions times a year is a testament to his vision.

In addition to providing Canadians with greater access to our culture and heritage, Louis Forget provided his staff with best practices, learning tools, and leadership, enabling them to share in the public service values to which he has been so deeply committed over his many years of service.

Nominated by Roch Carrier, National Librarian, Library and Archives of Canada