CLA Statement on the Library and Archives Canada Code of Conduct

(Ottawa, March 22, 2013) – The Canadian Library Association urges Library and Archives Canada to revisit its Code of Conduct in order to strike a more even balance between the duty of loyalty to the Government of Canada that all public services have and the freedom of expression that is imperative to the work of librarians in a strong democracy.

The LAC Code of Conduct: Values and Ethics restricts unnecessarily the ability of librarians and information professionals to perform key aspects of their work, namely teaching and speaking at conferences and other public engagements. The conditions placed upon those activities, and the categorization of those activities as ‘high risk,’ effectively eliminate the possibility that librarians may engage in essential elements of their work, elements that benefit both themselves and the greater professional community as well as the public good.

The language of the LAC Code also appears to infringe unnecessarily on the personal activities and opinions of public servants beyond the workplace. While we recognize a duty of loyalty to the Government of Canada and its elected officials, a reasonable balance must be maintained in recognizing that public servants also have a first duty of loyalty to Canadians at large.

The Canadian Library Association Position Statement on Intellectual Freedom states that both employees and employers in libraries have a duty, in addition to their institutional responsibilities, to uphold the principles of freedom of expression, including the responsibility “to guarantee and facilitate access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity.”

We recognize that, as public servants, LAC employees also have a duty to uphold the principles contained in the Government of Canada’s Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, including the duty to “use resources responsibly by acquiring, preserving and sharing knowledge and information.” If employees of Library and Archives Canada are unable to teach and to speak publicly, they are unable to perform their work as information professionals and as public servants.

A strong leadership role is expected of our national institution, including an expectation that LAC librarians participate in and contribute to innovation in the profession, in education, and in the field at large for the benefit of all Canadians. The professional expertise and leadership of LAC archivists and librarians are essential to national progress in making our documentary heritage accessible to all.

The Canadian Library Association urges Library and Archives Canada to revisit its Code of Conduct and to continue to encourage its employees to share their professional experience and professional expertise through teaching, speaking at conferences, and appearing at public engagements.

Pilar Martinez,
President, Canadian Library Association

CLA Continues Its Support For Dale Askey

The Canadian Library Association (CLA) continues to monitor the legal action taken against Dale Askey by the Edwin Mellen Press. While the lawsuit in which both McMaster and Askey are named has been dropped, the second lawsuit in which Askey is named as an individual remains.

CLA strongly reiterates our support of Dale Askey and of intellectual freedom. We urge Edwin Mellen Press to drop this second lawsuit against Dale Askey.

Recent CLA Statements and Advocacy Tools

Updated: March 31, 2013

Looking for statements from the Canadian Library Association about current issues affecting the library community and its clients?

Access Copyright

• CLA Statement on Licenses with Access Copyright in Post-Secondary Institutions (June 2012)

Access to Information

• Submission to the Information Commissioner’s consultation on the Access to Information Act (January 2013)

Community Access Program

• Canadian Library Association Dismayed at Cancellation of Community Access Program (April 2012)
• CLA releases CAP Toolkit (May 2012)
• CLA’s letter to Industry Minister regarding cut to CAP (April 2012)

Copyright

• Canadian Library Association Releases Proposed Technical Amendments to Bill C-11 (February 2012)
• Urgent Call to Action on Bill C-11, An Act to Amend the Copyright Act (February 2012)
• National Library Association Acknowledges Passing of the Copyright Modernization Act (June 2012)
• IFLA-EIFL-CLA Statement on Copyright Limitations and Exceptions for Libraries and Archives at SCCR 25 (November 2012)

Federal Budget 2013 Consultations

• Pre-Budget Consultation 2012 – Submission by the Canadian Library Association (August 2012)

Government Libraries

• 2012 Federal Budget highlights (March 2012)
• CLA dismayed by impact of budget cuts on federal libraries (May 2012)
• CLA Toolkit: Budget Cuts to Federal Libraries
• CLA Member Advocacy Survey on the Impact of Federal Budget Cuts to Canada’s Libraries: Final Report (December 2012)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• Position Statement on Access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (June 2012)

Intellectual Freedom and Freedom of Expression

• Challenges to Materials and Policies in Canadian Libraries 2011 (July 2012)
• CLA Supports Dale Askey in Libel Suit Defence (February 2013)
• CLA continues its support for Dale Askey (March 2013)

Library and Archives Canada

• 2012 Federal Budget highlights (March 2012)
• CLA dismayed by impact of budget cuts on federal libraries (May 2012)
• CLA’s letter to Heritage Minister regarding cuts to federal libraries and LAC (May 2012)
• CLA continues dialogue with LAC (June 2012)
• CLA Member Advocacy Survey on the Impact of Federal Budget Cuts to Canada’s Libraries: Final Report (December 2012)
• Determining the impact of the 2012 federal budget cuts on LAC : Questions to LAC (January 2013)
• CLA Responds to Article on Library and Archives Canada (LAC) in Toronto Star (March 2013)
• CLA Statement on the Library and Archives Canada Code of Conduct (March 2013)

Print Disabilities

• National Network for Equitable Library Service for Canadians with print disabilities (NNELS) (June 2012)

School Libraries

• Canadian Library Association Disturbed by Cuts to School Libraries (April 2012)

Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA)

• IFLA and other library organisations express concern about the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) (July 2012)

Canadian Library Association Survey of Challenged Materials & Policies

This is the 6th annual survey of challenges to library materials and policies that is being conducted by the Canadian Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Advisory Committee.

Your responses will help inform the Committee’s policy and advocacy work on behalf of the CLA membership. Results are shared widely, for example, with the Book and Periodical Council [of Canada] and the Office of Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association. The database is available without charge to anyone requesting it.

The purpose of the survey is to gather data about the nature and outcomes of challenges to library materials and policies (e.g., collection management, access to Internet and facilities) initiated in publicly funded, Canadian libraries (e.g., public, school, academic, and government) between JANUARY 1 and DECEMBER 31, 2011.

One form should be submitted for each challenge to an item or a policy.

• Survey in English: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DF56YJP
• Survey in French: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/D3HT99K

So that we can share preliminary findings in time for “Freedom to Read Week,” please participate if at all possible by February 6, 2012.

If you have questions about the survey, feel free to contact me at alvin.schrader@ualberta.ca or 780-405-7546.

Thank you for participating in this important work!

Alvin M Schrader,
Convenor, 2012-2013
CLA Intellectual Freedom Advisory Committee

Challenges to Canadian Library Resources and Policies in 2010

The Canadian Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Advisory Committee has released the results of its annual survey of challenges to library resources and policies in Canada for 2010.

• News Release
• Report

 

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

IM Public Lecture – The Freedom to Read in Canada: Is the Door Opening or Closing?

Date: Wednesday, March 9th, 2011
Time: 1:30-2:30
Location: Dalhousie University, Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building (6100 University Avenue) Rowe 1020

An analysis of censorship incidents in Canada and abroad within the last 12 months reveals a disturbing trail of restricted access to information. Dr. Curry will discuss the freedom to read in its broadest context, and how this freedom philosophy has been implemented or incinerated in various situations.

Ann Curry is a professor and past director at the School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta in Edmonton. Previously, she taught at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver for 18 years and worked for 19 years in special, college, and public libraries in Canada and Australia. She is an award-winning teacher, and speaks frequently at conferences regarding intellectual freedom, library architecture, and the role of public libraries.

Canadian Library Association Survey of Challenged Materials and Policies

This is the 5th annual survey of challenges to library materials and policies that is being conducted by the Advisory Committee on Intellectual Freedom of the Canadian Library Association.

Your responses will help inform the Committee’s policy and advocacy work on behalf of the CLA membership. Results are shared widely, for example, with the Book and Periodical Council [of Canada] and the Office of Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association. The database is available without charge to anyone requesting it.

The purpose of the survey is to gather data about the nature and outcomes of challenges to library materials and policies (e.g., collection management, access to Internet and facilities) initiated in publicly funded, Canadian libraries (e.g, public, school, academic, and government) between JANUARY 1 and DECEMBER 31, 2010.

One form should be submitted for each challenge to an item or a policy.

• Survey in English
• Survey in French

So that we can share preliminary findings in time for “Freedom to Read Week,” please participate by February 7, 2011.

If you have questions about the survey, feel free to contact me at alvin.schrader@ualberta.ca or 780-446-8996.

Thank you for participating in this important work!

Alvin M Schrader,
Convenor, 2010-2011
CLA Advisory Committee on Intellectual Freedom

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Cette 5e enquête annuelle sur les défis aux matériels de bibliothèques et aux politiques est dirigée par le Comité consultatif sur la liberté intellectuelle de l’Association canadienne des bibliothèques.

Vos réponses aideront à informer le Comité consultatif dans nos discussions et dans notre travail de plaidoyer pour nos revendications. Les résultats sont partagés à grande échelle avec, par exemple, le Conseil des livres et périodiques [du Canada] et le Bureau de liberté intellectuelle de l’Association américaine des bibliothèques. La base de données est consultable gratuitement par tous ceux qui en font la demande.

Le but de cette enquête est de rassembler des données sur la nature et les résultats de défis aux matériels de bibliothèque et aux politiques (par exemple, la gestion de collection, l’accès à l’Internet et aux établissements) entamés dans les bibliothèques canadiennes publiquement subventionnées (par exemple, publique, scolaire, universitaire, et gouvernementale) entre le 1er janvier et le 31 décembre, 2010.

Un formulaire devrait être soumis pour chaque défi de matériel ou de politique.

• En français
• En anglais

Veuillez s’il vous plaît répondre à l’enquête avant le 7 février 2011, afin que nous puissions communiquer les résultats préliminaires en temps pour « la Semaine de la liberté d’expression ».

Si vous avez des questions sur l’enquête, n’hésiter pas à me contacter par courriel à alvin.schrader@ualberta.ca ou par téléphone au numéro 780-446-8996.

Merci de votre participation dans ce travail important!

Alvin M Schrader,
Animateur 2010-2011
Comité Consultatif sur la Liberté Intellectuelle de L’Association canadienne des bibliothèques.

An Open Letter from the Canadian Library Association to the Minister of Canadian Heritage re: the Cancellation of the Screening of Iranium

The Canadian Library Association has sent a letter to the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages concerning the recent cancellation of the screening of the film Iranium.

The Canadian Library Association (CLA) applauds your response to the recent cancellation of the screening of the film Iranium at Library and Archives Canada. As an organization committed to the principles of intellectual freedom, CLA believes strongly that all Canadians have the fundamental right, as embodied in the nation’s Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to have access to all expressions of knowledge, creativity and intellectual activity, and to express their thoughts publicly.

We appreciate your actions in defense of these rights, and your efforts to ensure that the film will be shown at Library and Archives Canada.

Read the full letter on the Canadian Library Association website.

Canadian Library Association Annual Challenged Materials Survey

This survey of challenges to library materials and policies in Canadian libraries is being conducted by the Advisory Committee on Intellectual Freedom of the Canadian Library Association.

Your responses will help inform the Committee’s policy and advocacy work. Results are shared with the Book and Periodical Council [of Canada] and the Office of Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association.

The purpose of the survey is to gather data about the nature and outcomes of challenges to library materials and policies (e.g., collection management, access to Internet and facilities) initiated in publicly funded, Canadian libraries (e.g, public, school, academic, and government) between JANUARY 1 and DECEMBER 31, 2009.

One form should be submitted for each challenge to an item or a policy.

Survey in English: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CFML5C6

Survey in French: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CFQ7CY3 .
Many thanks to Richard Beaudry for the French translation!

Please respond by June 30, 2010.

If you have questions about the survey, feel free to contact me at alvin.schrader@ualberta.ca or 780-446-8996.

Thank you for participating in this important work!

Alvin M Schrader,
Convenor, 2009-2010
CLA Advisory Committee on Intellectual Freedom