Please join us September 9 from 9:30-11:00am as we host public library administrator, technology consultant, and author Nick Tanzi, for a virtual talk about artificial intelligence and its implications for libraries.
We’re told the age of A.I. is upon us, but what does that mean for our libraries? This webinar will help demystify artificial intelligence and explain how it will change the library landscape. Attendees will be offered specific actions they can take to proactively adapt services, policy, and programming that address this new technological environment.
Nick has authored Making the Most of Digital Collections Through Training and Outreach (2016) and Best Technologies for Public Libraries: Policies, Programs, and Services (2020). He is also a past column editor for Public Library Magazine’s “The Wired Library”, and has been published in Computers in Libraries, Library Journal, American Libraries, and Marketing Library Services. His work also includes professional development workshops, keynote presentations, and talks in the U.S. and abroad, for a variety of library organizations. Nick is the assistant director of the South Huntington Public Library in New York, and has worked in public libraries for 25 years. The focus of Nick’s work is the intersection of libraries and technology, and his speaking approach is one that is light and conversational, and avoids unnecessary jargon.
This webinar is free for MLA members, who will also have access to the recording and a PDF of slides following the presentation.
The event is $40.00 for non-members.
To become a MLA member, use this link. To attend as a non-member, donate 40$ via MLA’s PayPal account (left hand menu on our website – direct donation to: “A.I. Event”).
The instructions for attending the webinar will be sent out to confirmed registrants the week of September 2.
We’re excited to bring you this thought provoking and timely event!
On April 22, the Manitoba Library Association alongside the Canadian Urban Libraries Council/Conseil des bibliothèques urbaines du Canada presented to our membership the Public Library Safety and Security Toolkit.
This presentation was recorded and is now available to be shared with anyone who missed the day, or would like to share it with staff.
Manitoba Library Association visited the Winkler branch of the South Central Regional Library last week to present the first ever Human Rights Book Award to Cathy Ching and her team.
The event was captured by local media and you can read more here.
Many thanks to the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers, our partner in the creating this award. And of course, our thanks and congratulations to the SCRL staff for their fantastic dedication and inspiring work in upholding the values of information access for all.
“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.
Manitoba libraries are upholding the fundamental values of intellectual freedom, inclusion, and diversity despite recent calls for censorship and the harassment of library workers.
Appreciating this important and yet often unrecognised work, the Manitoba Library Association (MLA) alongside the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers (AMBP) are pleased to announce the inaugural Human Rights Book Award to Cathy Ching and the South Central Regional Library System (SCRL). This award is presented in recognition of their “strong resolve in upholding human rights, inclusivity and equity in library access for their library or in the library community at a local, regional, provincial or national level.”
Ching and her team at SCRL have remained passionately steadfast, and according to their nominator, “remarkably positive throughout their censorship ordeals.” SCRL’s experiences have been shared in the media over the past couple of years and have inspired not only their own community but the entire province with their determination “to uphold the fundamental right to freedom of expression and the unrestricted pursuit of knowledge for all individuals, regardless of background or belief.”
The glowing nomination letter also describes Cathy Ching’s willingness to educate and inspire their library peers through conferences and workshops helping to foster a culture of continuous improvement within our professional community.
MLA is proud to celebrate this deserving recipient:
“Cathy is an amazing example of the type of people we need in our communities and libraries now more than ever. Her work and perseverance in the face of adversity is not only inspiring, it’s a loud and bold statement that libraries will always be a safe space and will help echo the voices that need to be heard.”
– KC Bateman, MLA Vice-president
AMBP is awarding Cathy Ching and SCRL, whose service, passion, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is outstanding among their peers with 15 books from Manitoba publishers.
“The AMBP is proud to support the instatement of the MLA’s Human Rights Book Award. Cathy Ching and the South Central Regional Library System demonstrate an unwavering commitment to keeping our libraries a welcoming, safe space for all.”
– Chelsey Young, AMBP
Both MLA and AMBP send heartfelt congratulations to our very first and very deserving award winner.
The board of directors of the Manitoba Library Association is thrilled to welcome Jen Kendall as our new Office Manager.
As a passionate library advocate, and an enthusiastic -if slightly impatient- gardener Jen brings a wealth of experience from a variety of customer service and administrative roles to the Office Manager position.
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.
MLA is grateful for the support of the Ministry of Sport, Culture and Heritage for the funding that allows us to hire such qualified and experienced staff.
Please reach out to Jen and introduce yourself if you haven’t yet met, share any thoughts or ideas you have, or just say “hello!”
“I don’t think I’ll be able to help you find that.”
– No librarian, ever.
Located in the heart of Manitoba’s second largest city, the Brandon Public Library (BPL) serves one of the most diverse populations in the province through its inclusive space and ever-evolving services, programming and collection. It is deeply rooted in the social and cultural fabric of the city and continuously seeks out new and innovative ways to add to its vibrancy.
Newcomers to Canada find a welcoming environment at the BPL. Local agencies such as Westman Immigrant Services, for example, regularly introduce their clients to the BPL as a resource for improving their English skills. By embracing such opportunities, the BPL also plays an important role in promoting a culture of diversity and inclusivity in the city. Other examples of the library’s celebration of culture and diversity include a prominent display of Indigenous materials, generously funded by the Brandon Neighborhood Renewal Corporation. The library also showcases works by local artists, some of which were produced in the library itself.
With many vulnerable individuals residing in Brandon’s downtown district, the BPL also provides information about local services to assist with issues ranging from housing insecurity, mental health, to more basic needs such as obtaining government identification and access to mail delivery. Branch Supervisor, Carson Rogers, likened this role to being a switchboard for the downtown hub while emphasizing the high importance placed on respect in all interactions.
Branch Supervisor, Carson Rogers
Another way that the BPL removes barriers and builds bridges in the community is through its delivery of library materials to patrons who are homebound or in care homes. The service, which is supported by the library’s passionate volunteers, is highly appreciated by patrons who face challenges in attending the library in-person. The library is also dedicated to providing alternative formats for patrons with print disabilities through collaborations with organizations like the Centre for Equitable Library Access and the National Network for Equitable Library Service. If technology itself is a barrier to accessing information or online services, the BPL has tech savvy staff that are keen to help patrons navigate our increasingly digitized world.
The BPL also provides ample educational opportunities for the city’s younger readers, both independently and in conjunction with the local school division. In addition to regular programming aimed at building foundational literacy skills, the library puts on special programs during PD days and school breaks throughout the year. The library’s Stem Club, which is geared towards patrons aged 9-13, explores topics ranging from math, aviation, “hacking,” and fossils. “Meet the Author” events have provided students with opportunities to engage in dialogue with authors whose works they’ve studied in class, an exercise that not only enhances students’ literary analysis skills but is bound to inspire future generations of writers as well. Recent authors include Kenneth Oppel and his work Silverwing, and local author Katherena Vermette with her feature work The Break.
While some prefer the individual nature of diving into a book as a healthy form of escapism, others enjoy the more social aspects of reading and libraries, which the BPL fully supports. Book Club kits, for instance, complete with several copies of a work and discussion prompts are available for loan. For those interested in learning new skills or simply being among people with similar interests, events such as “Stitching in the Stacks” have brought together community members around creative activities like embroidery.
The BPL is also part of a growing trend of loaning items other than books. Physical Activity Cards, which grant access to the local Sportsplex, are available for 5-day loan and are in high demand. Other materials available for loan include telescopes, LeapFrog kits or interactive learning systems for children, and board games. For patrons with (or hopes of having) a green thumb, there is a seed library available at the BPL which is supported by the Assiniboine Food Forest Initiative.
In addition to its extensive collection of print materials, the library also provides access to a range of quality digital resources. Interested in exploring the “world’s largest collection of international recipes”? Streaming classic cinema, documentaries and television? Learning about local history or that of your own family? Accessing over 56,000 eBook & audiobooks? These are just some of the eResources available to BPL members – available anytime, anywhere.
Believe it or not, the above are just some of the ways the BPL serves its patrons and makes Brandon a more inclusive and vibrant community. Its seemingly boundless approach to information, services, and programming would not be possible without its visionary leadership and passionate staff. The MLA would like to extend its gratitude to the BPL for being a source of inspiration, not only to its patrons, but to the community of library professionals as well.
Article and Photographs by Rustam Dow, MLA Communications Committee Member
Are you a Manitoba student enrolled in a Library and Information Studies graduate level program? The Manitoba Library Association is accepting applications for our three scholarships now!
Deadline for scholarship applications is June 1, 2024
Any questions? Send an email to the Scholarships committee at awards@mla.mb.ca
Read on for more information about our scholarships and apply today!
Jean Thorunn Law Scholarship
Available to eligible applicants who have worked in a Manitoba library and who choose to further their career by pursuing a graduate program in library and information science. Applicants must have been engaged in recent library work in Manitoba for twelve months.
John Edwin Bissett Scholarship
Available to eligible undergraduates of the University of Manitoba who are pursuing a graduate program in library and information science. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba.
Marilyn J. Hernandez Scholarship
Available to eligible applicants who are residents of Manitoba and who are pursuing a master’s or PhD in an accredited library and information program.
To showcase the interesting and important work being done by libraries across the province, MLA interviews one library worker every other month about the unique work they do in order to deliver library services to Manitobans.
Earlier this year we interviewed Joan Ransom, Branch Librarian at the Stonewall Branch of the South Interlake Regional Library. Through her responses we learned everything from the importance of strategic planning, to how she finds delicious taco recipes! Read on to find out more about SIRL’s upcoming projects, including their four StoryWalk routes and the training session, “Accessible Audiobooks Made Easy”, happening on April 29th at the Stonewall Library. This free workshop is open to interested public library staff – call 204-467-5767 or email admin@sirlibrary.com to register!
South Interlake Regional Library Staff (L to R): Kelsey Dingwall, Joan Ransom, Stella McAuley, Tara Glaspey
Can you tell us a bit about your library system or branch? Is there anything unique or unusual about it?
Our regional system consists of 2 branches and a bookmobile. My branch – the Stonewall Library – is the larger branch in the system and has a staff of myself, plus 1 full time and 6 part time staff. We are a fun bunch of people who truly enjoy working with each other and we love to do activities together away from work – like flower picking and aerial yoga!
Our Branch takes great pride in our I Love to Read month celebrations and our Summer Reading programming. We enjoy planning activities that go with our theme. This summer’s TDSRC “To the stars” theme is going to be epic as we have been planning our space programs and decorations.
Another big project we are doing this year is StoryWalk routes. We will manage 4 routes in various communities throughout our catchment area and are excited about combining literacy and outdoor walks. This is our 3rd year doing StoryWalks and we will rotate the stories every 2 weeks through the 4 routes. Project management software is very helpful as we keep the titles flowing through the routes.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your work or your library?
The 2022 strategic planning session that our Director Clint Curle, our Board of Directors and our Branch Managers participated in was such a significant event in the lives of our libraries. It brought us together and really helped us focus on our goals, values and mission. Because of that we have a clear plan forward for the next few years. It was the first time I had been involved in a strategic plan and I found it to be an amazing experience.
Our work now is focused on meeting the goals outlined in the plan and it has given us a real sense of purpose as we use that filter to prepare and prioritize the work we do at the Branch. I find that our staff has a better sense of the big picture and take pride in the professional work we do in our communities.
What is something happening at your library that you’re excited about?
At the end of April we are launching a new program called “Accessible Audiobooks Made Easy” and I am so very excited about it. We were awarded a large grant through the Province of Manitoba Accessibility Fund and were able to purchase 11 Victor Reader4M Stratus machines. We have pre- loaded them with titles from CELA in various genres. Not only will we be able to lend them to our patrons, but we are making them available through ILL for any rural public library to borrow for their patrons.
The folks with lived experience that are testing the program have given us such great feedback and have cemented our commitment to this program. When they tell us it is ‘life changing’ and the ‘best thing that has happened to them’ – we know we are making a difference in their lives. We hope that this project increases accessibility to library material for patrons who have print disabilities and are so happy to be sharing these devices and titles with all Manitobans.
We are hosting a free library workshop on April 29 for rural library staff to come and learn about the project and try the machines out. We are excited to host Jessica Desormeaux from CELA who will be speaking about their services. We are taking registrations and hope to welcome many of our peers to the Stonewall Branch.
What is a challenge you’re currently facing?
A challenge I think many of us face is keeping all the balls in the air. We are making a difference for our patrons and bringing quality programs to our communities, but managing staff time is one thing I continually work on. I also feel that staff care is a priority for me. I took an excellent course called Cultivating Civility, Resilience, and Reflection in the Library Workplace through ALAeLearning last year that resonated with me. I strive to ensure that my staff feel heard, respected and valued.
What are you reading/watching/playing right now?
I usually like to have a fiction title and a non-fiction title on the go at the same time. The novel on my nightstand right now is The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson. I enjoyed her book The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and this novel is a sequel that continues the themes of sisterhood, justice and the power of books.
I am an avid knitter and the non-fiction title I am reading is Patty Lyons’ Knitting Bag of Tricks by Patty Lyons. It is chock full of helpful hints and I am getting a lot out of it. YouTube has recently taught me how to knit in the continental style and I am getting faster with less errors as time goes on!
We are glued to CBC on Thursday nights to cheer on our hometown potter Jen Sonnenberg as she competes in the Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down. It is old school tv watching as you cannot binge all the episodes and anticipation is part of the fun as we wait to see what happens each week. My husband and I recently binged the Netflix documentary series “Taco Chronicles” and have since been cooking many different varieties of tacos. Not only was this an interesting series – it has proven to be delicious!
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.
MLA and the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers are pleased to announce a new award in support and recognition of Manitoba libraries hard work to uphold library values of intellectual freedom while at the same time reflecting their community’s need for inclusive and diverse library spaces.
This annual award will give 15 books from Manitoba publishers to an individual or library whose service, passion, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is outstanding among their peers.
This individual or library will have demonstrated strong resolve in upholding human rights, inclusivity and equity in library access for their library or in the library community at a local, regional, provincial or national level.
The Award will recognize ongoing work or an outstanding accomplishment at a point in time.
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.
