“Libraries are better when we work together.”
– David Christensen
If you bring up the name David Christensen in Manitoba’s library community, then there is a good chance you will elicit a familiar response and spark a conversation about his role in shaping the public libraries’ landscape in this province. The MLA recently met with David, who retired on July 12, 2024, to discuss some of the highlights from his career at Public Library Services (PLS), the policy and program unit within the Strategic Policy Branch of Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage that is responsible for the Public Libraries Act and associated Regulations, after 29 years of service.
With a career in technology predating the public release of the World Wide Web, David, who majored in computer science at Brandon University, has been on the frontline of some major shifts in how society operates. Prior to his career at PLS, David worked for the Manitoba Telephone System (MTS) on provincial database and fiber optic installation projects. His transition to the world of libraries would begin not long after when he took up a position at TKM Software Limited developing software for managing the cataloging and circulation of library materials. It was through this experience that David would gain a fundamental understanding of how information technology and the emergence of the World Wide Web would revolutionize the way that library records are managed and shared.
After TKM, David went on to work for a company in Winnipeg developing software used for emergency dispatch services before returning to his hometown of Brandon to work as a technology consultant with PLS. It was during the beginning of his tenure at PLS that the widespread adoption of the Internet started to takeoff. Through grants offered by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of David’s early responsibilities at PLS was travelling to public libraries across the province to install computers and connect them to this emerging technology. During his travels, David would observe the openness of librarians towards the new technology and how they valued its potential for better serving their patrons.
David would also get the opportunity to exercise the skills and knowledge that he acquired earlier on in his career by developing a province-wide, digital inter-library loan system to replace the centralized, paper-based model being administered by the province. After several iterations, the system known today as fILL, which connects the catalogues of public libraries across the province for inter-library loans, was released thanks to David’s efforts.
In addition to fILL, David also played a key role in the acquisition and management of a wide range of print and electronic resources intended for use by librarians and their patrons; for instance, eLibraries Manitoba, EBSCOhost and a collection of large print and professional development materials. Counting Opinions, a software used to collect and share important data about libraries in the province, also fell under David’s portfolio.
David also had a hand in shaping policy during his tenure at the PLS. In 2017, the PLS launched a consultation to better understand the needs of public libraries in the province. Much of what was learned during these consultations helped to inform the Public Library Allocation of Grants Regulation which came into effect on April 1, 2024.
With the so-called age of artificial intelligence upon us, much like the Internet, David sees librarians as “well positioned to be trusted intermediaries.” Educating patrons about disinformation and promoting a culture of dialogue that is fact-based are some of the ways that he sees librarians playing a critical role in this new technological landscape. When the implications of disinformation for the health of our democracy are considered, for David, libraries are integral to maintaining “the structure of society and quality of life in Manitoba.”
Although much of David’s career was focused on the more technological aspects of libraries, his appreciation for their cultural significance is undeniable. During our sit down, he applauded the fearlessness of librarians in taking a firm stand against attempts to censor books with 2SLGBTQIA+ themes. As for the future of libraries, his hope is that Manitobans increasingly recognize the important role that libraries play as a “free third space at the heart of communities across the province.” He is confident that libraries will continue to work together to best serve their patrons and expressed how fortunate he’s been to have worked with librarians, for whom he considers to be the “kindest and best people.”
We’re always looking for more library workers to feature! Are you doing something interesting at your library that you want to share, or do you know someone in the province that is? Reach out to us at communications@mla.mb.ca.
Ching and her team at SCRL have remained passion
Many of you know Jen as the Director and occasional Bossicorn of the Portage la Prairie Regional Library and her experience means she understands the unique needs and challenges of libraries firsthand.