2013 Outstanding Service to Librarianship Award Announced by the Canadian Library Association

(Ottawa, April 2, 2013) – The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques is pleased to announce that the 2013 CLA Outstanding Service to Librarianship Award is being presented to Karen Adams of the University of Manitoba. The CLA Outstanding Service to Librarianship Award is generously sponsored by ProQuest.

Karen Adams has made outstanding contributions to Canadian librarianship in a distinguished career that spans public, government, and academic libraries; involves leadership in provincial, regional, national, and international library organizations; includes teaching, research, mentoring, consulting, and publication; and demonstrates leadership on pivotal library issues, such as copyright.

Karen has worked in organizations such as the University of Alberta Libraries, the Government of Saskatchewan, the Canadian Library Association, and the University of Manitoba. She has been involved in many library organizations, including the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, Association of Research Libraries, Canadian Research Knowledge Network, and The Alberta Library. Karen’s vision and insights are held in high regard and she is frequently called upon for accreditation reviews and as a consultant.

Karen played a key role in enhancing and strengthening the Canadian Library Association. Karen brought to her tenure as President in 2011-12 a unique insight into operations and issues, having previously worked as the Executive Director of CLA. With creativity and enthusiasm Karen provided leadership and worked with the CLA staff and Executive Council to help address financial, technology, and engagement issues for the organization. Karen, working with the Council, took the CLA Future Plan that was developed in 2011 and brought it to life. Karen has helped CLA become a healthier association and her work will benefit future generations of librarians, library workers, and library users in Canada. As one of her nominators said, “it was a genuine act of service for Karen to take on the role of CLA President when, at the same time, there were demanding and time-consuming changes and activities underway in her own library system at the University of Manitoba.”

Another nominator says, of Karen, “her commitment to working through some of our thorniest information policy and access to information issues has been impressive, important, and unwavering. Her work as CLA President, through one of its most tumultuous times, and with a yeoman’s term of service, has seen success due to her focus on results and her strong, unwavering leadership.”

The CLA Outstanding Service to Librarianship Award will be presented at the CLA Closing Ceremonies, to be held Saturday 1 June during the CLA National Conference and Trade Show in Winnipeg.

The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques is Canada’s largest national and broad-based library association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of Canadians through information and literacy.

2013 CLA Awards: Call for Nominations

The Canadian Library Association (CLA) is proud to present the Call for Nominations 2013. The CLA Awards promote the recognition of excellence, outstanding service, innovation, and dedication to the Canadian library community and the values of the Canadian Library Association amongst CLA members.

Please nominate a colleague(s) by 28 February 2013 unless otherwise noted.

Complete information on criteria and judging, prizes, nominations and applicable forms are available on the CLA website or on request from the CLA office at info@cla.cla.

Support of Core Principles:

CLA Outstanding Service to Librarianship Award

This award, the highest honour granted by CLA, may be given annually by the Canadian Library Association for distinguished service in the field of Canadian librarianship. The contribution made by the recipient should represent an achievement which is outstanding in its own field, and of lasting significance in the development of Canadian library service. The contribution may be for service of various kinds, ranging from local projects to those of national scope and may cover any type of library activity. The award is generously sponsored by ProQuest.

CLA/OCLC Award for Innovative Technology

This award is being given annually to honour a member or members of the Canadian Library Association for innovative use and application of technology in a Canadian library setting. The award is generously sponsored by OCLC Canada for 2012 – 2014.

CLA/Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship

This award honours individuals who contribute significantly to the public recognition and appreciation of librarianship. It has been established in recognition of CLA past president Dr. Ken Haycock, distinguished educator, administrator and advocate.

Recognition of Members:

CLA/Alan McDonald Mentorship Award

CLA is pleased to introduce this new award in recognition of the importance of mentorship to our community. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to mentoring activities either within their workplace or in an association. The award is generously sponsored by Canadian Electronic Library for 2012 – 2014.

CLA Emerging Leader Award

CLA is excited to present this new award to recognize a CLA member with less than 5 years’ experience in the library field who demonstrates leadership or active participation in association work. The award is generously sponsored by Counting Opinions for 2012 – 2014.

Recognition of Research:

CLA Robert H. Blackburn Distinguished Paper Award

CLA is pleased to announce the Robert H. Blackburn Distinguished Paper Award. Named after Dr. R. H. Blackburn the first President of CACUL, the former Canadian Association of College & University Libraries, (1963-64), this award acknowledges notable research published by CLA members.

CLA Student Article Award

The award is open to all students registered in, or recently graduated from, a Canadian library school, a library technician program, an information science program (including distance education programs), or faculty of education library program. (Deadline: 31 March 2013)

Angela Thacker Memorial Award

This Award honours teacher-librarians who have made contributions to the profession through publications, productions or professional development activities that deal with topics relevant to teacher-librarianship and/or information literacy.

Grants/Scholarships:

CLA/Dafoe Scholarship

The CLA/Dafoe Scholarship is awarded annually, when merited, to a student entering a school offering an accredited masters degree in library and information studies. Consideration is given to academic achievement, leadership potential and demonstrated interest in the profession. (Deadline: 1 May 2013)

H.W. Wilson Scholarship

The H.W. Wilson Scholarship is awarded annually, when merited, to a student entering a school offering an accredited masters degree in library and information studies. Consideration is given to academic achievement, leadership potential and demonstrated interest in the profession. (Deadline: 1 May 2013) The scholarship is generously sponsored by the H.W. Wilson Foundation.

Chancellor Group Conference Grant

The Chancellor Group Conference Grant provides a $500.00 travel grant to support attendance of newly qualified teacher-librarians at the next conference of the Canadian Library Association.

2012 Honour Roll

Congratulations to the members of the Canadian library and information services community who have been recognized in 2012 for their contributions to the profession and to Canadian society!

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Catherine Austen
CLA Young Adult Book Award
Canadian Library Association

Beth Barlow
Library Advocate Award
British Columbia Library Trustees Association

Robin Bergart
OCULA’s Award for Special Achievement
Ontario Library Association

Bibliothèque Christian Roy
Prix Innovation des services documentaires du Québec
Congrès des milieux documentaires du Québec

Bibliothèque de l’Université Laval
Prix Innovation des services documentaires du Québec
Congrès des milieux documentaires du Québec

Ronald B. Bond
CRKN Ron MacDonald Distinguished Service Award
Canadian Research Knowledge Network

Brantford Public Library
OLA Archival and Preservation Achievement Award
Ontario Library Association

Jim Brett
OLA President’s Award for Exceptional Achievement
Ontario Library Association

Jim Brett
Academic Librarianship Award
Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations

Rita Burgess
Manitoba Library Service Award
Manitoba Library Association

Calgary Freedom to Read Week Committee
CLA Award for the Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in Canada
Canadian Library Association

Barbara Campbell
Denis Marshall Memorial Award For Excellence in Law Librarianship
Canadian Association of Law Libraries

Marilyn Cavanaugh
LAA President’s Award
Library Association of Alberta

Carmelita Cechetto-Shea
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Centre d’accès à l’information juridique
Hugh Lawford Award for Excellence in Legal Publishing
Canadian Association of Law Libraries

Jas Cheema
Super Trustee Award
British Columbia Library Trustees Association

Barbara Chu
SLA Toronto President’s ward
SLA Toronto Chapter

Peter Clinton
CARL Award for Distinguished Service to Research Librarianship
Canadian Association of Research Libraries

Barbara Clubb
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Sam Coghlan
OLA’s Larry Moore Distinguished Service Award
Ontario Library Association

Gwen Collee
Honorary Life Member Award
Saskatchewan Libraries Trustees’ Association

Linda Cook
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Coquitlam Public Library
W. Kaye Lamb Award for Service to Seniors
Canadian Library Association

Brad Corbett
MSLA School Administrator Award for Distinguished Service
Manitoba School Library Association

Emma Cross
CLA Best Poster Presentation Award
Canadian Library Association

M.J. D’Elia
OCULA’s Award for Special Achievement
Ontario Library Association

Nicole Dalmer
CLA Student Article Award
Canadian Library Association

Ellen Donogh
MSLA Distinguished Service Award
Manitoba School Library Association

Bernard Dowling
OSLA’s Teacher-Librarian of the Year Award
Ontario Library Association

Henri Dupuis
MSLA Outstanding Teacher-Librarian of the Year
Manitoba School Library Association

Jane Dysart
Leadership and Management Division Distinguished Member Award
Special Libraries Association

Edmonton Public Library
Award of Excellence
Alberta Library Trustees Association

Kae Elgie
CLA / Alan MacDonald Mentorship Award
Canadian Library Association

Robin Elliott
Helmut Kallmann Award for Distinguished Service
Canadian Association of Music Libraries

Patrick Ellis
Outstanding Alumni Award
Dalhousie School of Information Management Associated Alumni

Kirsty Farquharson
Super Trustee Award
British Columbia Library Trustees Association

Helen Fisher
OSLA’s Administrator of the Year Award
Ontario Library Association

Martha Foote
SLA Legal Division Thomson Reuters Westlaw Award for Career Achievement
Special Libraries Association

Matthew Forsythe
CLA Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award
Canadian Library Association

Shonna Froebel
OPLA’s Leadership in Adult Readers’ Advisory
Ontario Library Association

Émilie Gagnon
Member of the Year Award
SLA Eastern Canada Chapter

Hinton Municipal Library
Lois Hole Award
Alberta Library Trustees Association

Ernie Ingles
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Christine Jacobs
Anne Galler Award for Outstanding Library Service
Association des bibliothécaires du Québec Library Association

Eva Jurczyk
Login Canada Student Paper Prize
Canadian Health Libraries Association

Don Kinder
Academic Librarianship Award
Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations

Lorie Kloda
CLA Robert H. Blackburn Distinguished Paper Award
Canadian Library Association

Denise Koufogiannakis
CLA Robert H. Blackburn Distinguished Paper Award
Canadian Library Association

Marcel Lajeunesse
Tremaine Medal
Bibliographical Society of Canada

Michael Lajoie-Wilkinson
OLA’s Media and Communications Award
Ontario Library Association

Daniel Lee
ProQuest Dialog Member Achievement Award
Special Libraries Association

Librarians Without Borders
Nonprofit Tagline Award (Category: Education)
Getting Attention

Katrine Mallan
CLA Robert H. Blackburn Distinguished Paper Award
Canadian Library Association

Pilar Martinez
CLA/Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship
Canadian Library Association

Sheryl Mackay
Library Advocate Award
British Columbia Library Trustees Association

Margaret MacLean
Emile Theriault Library and Information Technology Award
Nova Scotia Library Association

Lori McCay-Peet
Thomson Reuters Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Scholarship
American Society for Information Science and Technology

Helena Merriam
NISOD Excellence Award
National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development

Debbie Millward
Outstanding Information Professional Award
SLA Western Canada Chapter

Carole Moore
OCULA’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Ontario Library Association

Ann Morrison
Honoured Member of CALL
Canadian Association of Law Libraries

Gillian Nowlan
CLA Emerging Leader Award
Canadian Library Association

Kit Pearson
CLA Book of the Year for Children Award
Canadian Library Association

People for Education
OSLA’s Award for Special Achievement
Ontario Library Association

Kathleen Pine
LISAA Distinguished Alumni Award
uAlberta Library and Information Studies Alumni Association

Shirley Pineo
LBANS Honourary Lifetime Membership Award
Library Boards Association of Nova Scotia

Humayun Rachid
Honoured Member of CALL
Canadian Association of Law Libraries

Sophie Regalado
CHLA/ABSC Canadian Hospital Librarian of the Year Award
Canadian Health Libraries Association

Jennifer Richard
APLA Merit Award
Atlantic Provinces Library Association

Maria Ripley
OALT/ABO Presidential Award
Ontario Association of Library Technicians

Ken Roberts
CLA Outstanding Service to Librarianship Award
Canadian Library Association

Ken Roberts
OPLA’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Ontario Library Association

Margaret Rule
OLBA’s  W.J.Robertson Medallion for Librarian of the Year
Ontario Library Association

Toni Samek
3M National Teaching Fellowship
Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Scholars GeoPortal
OLITA’s Award for Technological Innovation
Ontario Library Association

Joy Shanfield
SLA Toronto Member of the Year
SLA Toronto Chapter

Linda Slater
Margaret Ridley Charlton Award for Outstanding Achievement
Canadian Health Libraries Association

Toni Smigelski
Punch Jackson Award of Excellence in Library Service
Library Association of Alberta

Robert Smith
CLA Best Poster Presentation Award
Canadian Library Association

Bonnie Starr
Brodart/OLA Technical Services Award
Ontario Library Association

Dale Storie
CHLA/ABSC Emerging Leader Award
Canadian Health Libraries Association

University of British Columbia, School of Library, Archival and Information Studies
Award for Academic Excellence in Records and Information Management Education
ARMA International Educational Foundation

Doug Vaisey
Norman Horrocks Award for Library Leadership
Nova Scotia Library Association

University of Waterloo Library
IFLA International Marketing Award
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

Ray Watson
Merit Award
New Brunswick Library Trustees Association

Kent Weaver
Academic Librarians Distinguished Service Award
Canadian Association of University Teachers

Susan White
Ann Connor Brimer Book Award
Nova Scotia Library Association

Paul Whitney
Gray Campbell Distinguished Service Award
Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia

Margaret Ann Wilkinson
OLA’s Les Fowlie Intellectual Freedom Award
Ontario Library Association

Jane Willwerth
Stephanie Downs Memorial Award
Dalhousie University, School of Information Management

Windsor Public Library
CLA/OCLC Award for Innovative Technology
Canadian Library Association

Anne Woodsworth
FIAA Outstanding Alumni Award
Faculty of Information Alumni Association

If we have accidentally left anyone off this list, please let us know at cla.govlib@gmail.com

Canadian Library Association Announces the Winners of the 2012 CLA Book Awards

2012 CLA Book of the Year for Children Award Winner:

This year’s winner is The Whole Truth by Kit Pearson, published by HarperCollins

• News Release

2012 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award Winner:

My Name is Elizabeth! published by Kids Can Press, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe and written by Annika Dunklee

• News Release

2012 Young Adult Book Award Winner:

All Good Children by Catherine Austen, published by Orca

• News Release

 

CLA Student Article Award Contest

Eligibility

The contest is open to all students registered in, or recently graduated from, a Canadian library school, a library technician program, an information science program (including distance education programs), or faculty of education library program.

Registered students may be full or part time; graduates should have completed their studies within one year of the competition’s closing date of March 31, annually. Articles submitted must be written while the student is enrolled in a program of study, or within one year of graduation.

Each contestant must submit a faculty member’s statement attesting to the fact that the article fulfills the above requirements.

Multiple-author papers are eligible, but in the event such a paper is selected, only one prize will be awarded.

Submissions may be in English or French.

Prize:

• $200 choice of CLA/ALA publications.
• The winning article will be published in Feliciter,the magazine of the Canadian Library Association/Association canadienne des bibliothèques. (Winning articles in French would appear in both official languages).

Content and Style

Articles should discuss, analyse or evaluate, in a clear and readable style, timely issues in librarianship or information science. Conclusions and premises should follow logically, and statements should be supported. Essays or term papers should be reworked into an article suitable for publication. The style should be informal but informative. References, if required, should be drawn from Canadian sources as much as possible and follow CLA’s style sheet, and also available from the CLA Office at (613) 232.9625 ext. 322 or e-mail: info@cla.ca.

Originality

All manuscripts must be the original, unpublished work of the contestant(s). Entries must be submitted exclusively to the Canadian Library Association/Association canadienne des bibliothèques during the competition period.

Format for Submission

Manuscript length should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words, typewritten on 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper, double spaced, with generous margins. One copy should be submitted electronically to the following address, no later than March 31: 

• info@cla.ca

Include a separate page containing the following information:

• Full title of entry; name of the author(s);
• home address and telephone number;
• name of the program in which author(s) is/are registered; and,
• a faculty member’s verification. This should be on letterhead of the institution in which author(s) is/are registered.

Judging

A panel of judges will read and evaluate all entries; additional evaluators may be called upon to assess submissions in French.

Judges look for:

• originality;
• value and relevance of the information presented;
• consistency and accuracy;
• style and readability;
• and suitability for publication.

If, in the opinion of the judges, no article submitted satisfies these criteria, the panel reserves the right to not select a winner.

Canadian Library Association Awards: Call for Nominations 2012

The Canadian Library Association is proud to present the Call for Nominations 2012. The CLA Awards promote the recognition of excellence, outstanding service, innovation, and dedication to the Canadian library community and the values of the Canadian Library Association amongst CLA members. Please nominate a colleague(s) by 16 March 2012 unless otherwise noted.

Complete information on criteria and judging, prizes, nominations and applicable forms are available on the CLA website www.cla.ca or on request from the CLA office at info@cla.cla.

Support of Core Principals:

CLA Outstanding Service to Librarianship Award

This award, the highest honour granted by CLA, may be given annually by the Canadian Library Association for distinguished service in the field of Canadian librarianship. The contribution made by the recipient should represent an achievement which is outstanding in its own field, and of lasting significance in the development of Canadian library service. The contribution may be for service of various kinds, ranging from local projects to those of national scope and may cover any type of library activity.

The award is generously sponsored by ProQuest.

CLA/OCLC Award for Innovative Technology

This award is being given annually to honour a member or members of the Canadian Library Association for innovative use and application of technology in a Canadian library setting. The award is generously sponsored by OCLC Canada for 2012 – 2014.

CLA/Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship

This award honours individuals who contribute significantly to the public recognition and appreciation of librarianship. It has been established in recognition of CLA past president Dr. Ken Haycock, distinguished educator, administrator and advocate.

CLA Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in Canada Award

This award recognizes and honours outstanding contributions to intellectual freedom in Canada by individuals or groups. Preference is given to librarians, other library workers, and library institutions. However like-minded individuals such as teachers or authors and groups such as schools or publishers are also eligible.

Recognition of Members:

CLA/Alan McDonald Mentorship Award (New)

CLA is pleased to introduce this new award in recognition of the importance of mentorship to our community. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to mentoring activities either within their workplace or in an association.

The award is generously sponsored by Canadian Electronic Library for 2012 – 2014.

CLA Emerging Leader Award (New)

CLA is excited to present this new award to recognize a CLA member with less than 5 years’ experience in the library field who demonstrates leadership or active participation in association work.

The award is generously sponsored by Counting Opinions for 2012 – 2014.

W. Kaye Lamb Award for Service to Seniors

This award recognizes a library that has developed an ongoing service, programme or procedure of benefit to seniors and/or a design and organization of buildings or facilities that improve access and encourage use by seniors.

The award is sponsored by the Ex Libris Association & CLA.

Recognition of Research:

CLA Robert H. Blackburn Distinguished Paper Award

CLA is pleased to announce the Robert H. Blackburn Distinguished Paper Award. Named after Dr. R. H. Blackburn the first President of CACUL, the former Canadian Association of College & University Libraries, (1963-64), this award acknowledges notable research published by CLA members.

CLA Student Article Award

The award is open to all students registered in, or recently graduated from, a Canadian library school, a library technician program, an information science program (including distance education programs), or faculty of education library program.

Angela Thacker Memorial Award

This Award honours teacher-librarians who have made contributions to the profession through publications, productions or professional development activities that deal with topics relevant to teacher librarianship and/or information literacy.

Grants/Scholarships:

CLA/Dafoe Scholarship

The CLA/Dafoe Scholarship is awarded annually, when merited, to a student entering a school offering an accredited masters degree in library and information studies. Consideration is given to academic achievement, leadership potential and demonstrated interest in the profession.

H.W. Wilson Scholarship

The H.W. Wilson Scholarship is awarded annually, when merited, to a student entering a school offering an accredited masters degree in library and information studies. Consideration is given to academic achievement, leadership potential and demonstrated interest in the profession.

Chancellor Group Conference Grant

The Chancellor Group Conference Grant provides a $500.00 travel grant to support attendance of newly qualified teacher-librarians at the next conference of the Canadian Library Association.

CLA Book Awards: Library Services Centre Commits to 3 Year Sponsorship

The Canadian Library Association (CLA)  is extremely pleased to announce that Library Services Centre of Kitchener Ontario has committed to sponsoring the CLA Book Awards for the next three years.

When Cécile Dillon, VP, Sales & Marketing and Michael Monahan, Chief Executive Officer, contacted CLA before the holidays to extend the sponsorship from 2012 to 2014 the news was joyously received. LSC has generously sponsored the CLA Book Awards for 2009-11.

CLA thanks Library Services Centre for its ongoing support to the Canadian library community. Look for the announcements of CLA Book Awards’ shortlists on March 1.

Red Deer Public Library Receives 2011 CLA/Information Today Award for Innovative Technology

(Ottawa, April 18) The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques is pleased to announce that the 2011 recipient of the CLA/Information Today Award for Innovative Technology is Red Deer Public Library for their project Engaging Community on the Web: Red Deer Public Libraries Election Forum. The award is given in recognition of the ground breaking and innovative use of technology to foster community awareness and engagement in the political process.

Red Deer Public Library has changed the way libraries define engaging the community. Their innovative marketing and promotion of community involvement in the political process has changed and will continue to change the way libraries, librarians and library services are perceived and valued by their communities and the general public in Red Deer, Alberta.

One of the most innovative aspects of their project was the simplicity of the message, and broad reach into the community using candidate blogs and comments, social media and live video streaming of Election Central. The public engagement in the election and the continued engagement in the library identify this project as an exciting new representation of the ability of libraries to serve their communities!

The CLA/Information Today Award is presented annually to honour a member or members of CLA for innovative use and application of technology in a Canadian library setting. The Award is generously sponsored by Information Today, Inc. and will be presented at the CLA 2011 National Conference & Trade Show in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the World Trade & Conference Centre, May 25 – 28, 2011.

The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques is Canada’s largest national and broad-based library association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through information and literacy.

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Media Contact: Elaine DeBonis
Assistant Director, Timmins Public Library
edebonis@ntl.sympatico.ca

Allan Wilson named 2011 recipient of CLA/Ken Haycock Award

(Ottawa, April 18, 2011) Allan Wilson, Chief Librarian, Prince George Public Library, has been named 2011 recipient of the CLA/Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship. This award honours individuals who have demonstrated exceptional success in enhancing public recognition and appreciation of librarianship. Wilson’s inclusive, dynamic approach to raising the awareness of libraries and promoting their value – especially in northern British Columbia – placed him first in a pool of exceptional candidates for this year’s award.

As Prince Rupert’s Chief Librarian, Wilson proposed the development of a waterfront library and archives, and accompanying “bookboat,” which promoted the novel idea of taking books and online resources to outlying First Nations communities. To engender civic interest and involvement in the proposal, Wilson created an award-winning website (now archived at http://web.archive.org/web/*/bookboat.com). He also designed “bookboat” floats for Prince Rupert’s annual Seafest parade, performed skits at the local fringe festival and organized community exhibitions. Recognizing that 6’1″ frame might intimidate children, Wilson even polished up his juggling skills to help them feel comfortable and enthused about the library. For this he has been dubbed “The Juggling Librarian.”

Wilson’s collaborative approach inspired commitment to the book boat project at local, regional and international levels. Within three years of its inception, the City of Prince Rupert unanimously approved a bylaw to establish a book boat fundraising account. Renowned American architect John Rattenbury offered to design the building, and Cisco Systems expressed interest in sponsoring it.

Although the project did not go ahead, Wilson’s grassroots vision and legacy remains. For example, after he had consulted with local First Nations, Wilson commissioned a local Tsimshian artist to create a halibut-themed library card representing the North Coast. These First Nations ties even spawned a new word in Sm’algyax, the language of the Tsimshian Nation; the word is “Wap Liitsx” – meaning “House of Reading.” According to one newspaper account, under Wilson’s leadership, the Prince Rupert Public Library was transformed into “an interactive, living part of the community.”

In his current role as Chief Librarian in Prince George, one way Wilson continues his efforts to engender community love for libraries is through mentoring others. At the Prince George Public Library, he created LEEP (Library Employee Education Program), which funds library science education for staff. In addition, over the past two decades Wilson has encouraged more than two dozen students, staff and board members to pursue studies in library science, and has mentored many more.

CLA/Ken Haycock Award committee chair Melanie Boyd says, “This award is intended to recognize activities that exceed those typically performed by librarians, no matter how meritorious. The committee unanimously agreed that Mr. Wilson’s contributions go ‘above and beyond’, and epitomize what this award represents.”

Wilson graduated from Brock University with a double major Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in German and Slavic Studies, and Russian and German literature. From the University of Toronto, he earned a Master of Library Science and a PhD in Soviet classification systems. Wilson has taught at the Niagara College of Applied Arts & Technology and the Northwest Community College in Prince Rupert. At the University of Northern British Columbia he has taught Russian Imperial History. Wilson has spoken widely at CLA, the joint CLA/ALA conference and BCLA.

The CLA/Haycock Award, comprising a cheque for $1,000 and a handsome plaque, will be presented to Mr. Wilson on May 28 at the 2011 CLA National Conference and Trade Show in Halifax. The award is jointly funded by the Canadian Library Association and past CLA president, Ken Haycock.

The Canadian Library Association/Association canadienne des bibliothèques is Canada’s largest national and broad-based library association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through information and literacy.

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Media Contact: Melanie Boyd, CLA/Haycock Award Committee Chair
maboyd@ucalgary.ca
Phone: (403) 220.3128

Alan Borovoy Receives the 2011 Award for the Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in Canada

(Ottawa, April 18, 2011) – The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques is honoured to announce that Alan Borovoy is the recipient of the 2011 Award for the Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in Canada for his unwavering dedication to social justice and freedom of expression in Canada.

Throughout a remarkable career as one of the undisputed leaders in the civil rights movement in Canada, Mr Borovoy has been a tireless advocate for freedom of expression, along with its corollaries freedom of the press and freedom of association; and equally activist for equality and procedural fairness. June Callwood, a recipient in 2006 of the same Award, dubbed him “Mr. Civil Liberties.”

Mr Borovy has been at one with the Canadian library community, whose core values include a strong commitment to intellectual freedom, a freedom under continual challenge and frequently unpopular to defend Mr Borovoy’s voice has always been there with the Canadian library community’s to combat both censorship and episodic public apathy enabling it, and he has referred to Canada’s librarians as “the Clark Kents of political action.” In 1987-1988, he was a leader in the opposition to Bill C-54, new obscenity legislation that would have drastically curtailed the ability of Canadian libraries to distribute materials. His legacy in public policy advocacy will continue to inspire librarians and library workers for generations to come.

Mr Borovoy was recruited by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) as General Counsel in 1968, a position he held for 41 years until his retirement in June 2009. CCLA has named him General Counsel Emeritus. Prior to joining the CCLA, he had already distinguished himself with other human rights and civil liberties causes and organizations, including activism on behalf of the residents of Africville in 1961 that lead to the formation of the Halifax Advisory Committee on Human Rights, and a protest march against Aboriginal discrimination and poor government services in Kenora in the later 60s.

Mr Borovoy, one of Canada’s premiere public intellectuals, has been a newspaper columnist, appeared on public affairs programs, open-line television and radio programs, given countless lectures and public addresses, has published four books, including one nominated for the 1988 Governor General’s Awards, and been a visiting professor at the faculties of law at Dalhousie University and the University of Windsor, and a part-time lecturer at the University of Toronto Faculty of Social Work and York University’s political science department.

Mr Borovoy has received five honourary doctorates, the Law Society Medal from the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1989, an Award of Merit from the City of Toronto in 1982, and was inscribed in the Honour Roll of the aboriginal people of Treaty Number 3 in 1991. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1982. He received his LL.B. from the University of Toronto in 1956 and was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1958. He was awarded the 2010 “Freedom to Read Award” by the Writers’ Union of Canada.

Mr Borovoy is a compelling and magnetic speaker: informed, articulate, and passionate. And as one of the most recognizable civil libertarians in Canada, he also knows the value of maintaining a sense of humour while trying to change the world; otherwise, he has said, “you’ll go off your rocker.” He once described the strategy of the CCLA as “to raise hell without breaking the law.” Of attacks from both left and right in his defence of free speech as absolute, he wryly observed, “If you live long enough, you have the opportunity to experience (criticism) every which way.”

The 2011 Award for the Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in Canada will be presented at the CLA Closing Ceremonies, to be held Saturday, May 28th during the CLA 2011 National Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Canadian Library Association’s Award for the Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in Canada recognizes and honours outstanding contributions to intellectual freedom in Canada by individuals or groups. Preference is given to librarians and library institutions. However like-minded individuals such as teachers or authors or groups such as schools or publishers are also eligible. The award is given from time-to-time, not necessarily on an annual basis, and there may be more than one recipient in any one year. The previous recipients of this prestigious award may be viewed at: http://www.cla.ca/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Award_for_the_Advancement_of_Intellectual_Freedom_in_Canada&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2442

The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques is Canada’s largest national and broad-based library association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through information and literacy.

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Media Contact: Alvin M Schrader, PhD, Chair of the Advancement of Intellectual Freedom in Canada Nominations Committee
alvin.schrader@ualberta.ca
Telephone: (780) 492-5372