CLA Letter to Clerk of the Privy Council Regarding Appointment of the Next Librarian and Archivist of Canada

Following this week’s announcement that Daniel J. Caron has resigned from his position as Deputy Head and Librarian and Archivist of Canada, CLA has sent a letter to the Clerk of the Privy Council Wayne Wouters, with a copy to Heritage Minister James Moore, expressing our wishes for the appointment of the successor.

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Mr. Wayne Wouters
Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet
Privy Council Office
Langevin Block, 80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A3

17 May 2013

Dear Mr. Wouters,

The Canadian library communities have just learned of the immediate departure of Daniel J. Caron, Deputy Head and Librarian and Archivist of Canada.

As President of the Canadian Library Association (CLA), and on behalf of the library and information professionals across the country, I would like to take this opportunity to express our hopes for the next appointment to this leadership position.

The membership of the CLA, which represents academic, school, public and special libraries and all those who work in and for them, has long taken the position that any appointment to the position of Librarian and Archivist of Canada be a librarian or an archivist with recognized professional qualifications.

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is a valuable institution for our professional communities, with a broad mandate to fulfill. While LAC is a department of the Government of Canada, with mandated responsibilities to government, it is also, and must continue to be, a functioning library and archive.

According to the Library and Archives of Canada Act, the Objects of Library and Archives of Canada include: “to acquire and preserve the documentary heritage; to make that heritage known to Canadians and to anyone with an interest in Canada and to facilitate access to it; … [and] to support the development of the library and archival communities.” To accomplish this, the institution must have a leader who believes in the fundamental services provided by libraries and archives, and a demonstrated ability to bring the communities together in support of LAC’s mandate. This requires credibility with the national community of library and archival professionals, as well as the internal support of a management team of talented and dedicated professionals from the library and archival communities who together can lead LAC into the 21st century.

We therefore call upon the Government of Canada to ensure that any individual being considered for appointment to the position of Librarian and Archivist of Canada be a qualified member of either the library or archival professional community.

If you wish to consult the national library community on possible candidates for the appointment, CLA would be very happy to provide any assistance you may require. Please contact me or Kelly Moore, CLA Executive Director, if you would like further information.

Sincerely,

Pilar Martinez
President, Canadian Library Association

Press Coverage of Daniel Caron’s Resignation as Head of Library and Archives Canada

Updated: May 17, 2013

Press coverage of today’s resignation of Daniel Caron as head of Library and Archives Canada

CBC News – Head of Library and Archives resigns over Spanish lessons (2013-05-15)

The head of Library and Archives Canada said adios to his job Wednesday. Daniel Caron resigned after billing taxpayers nearly $4,500 for personal Spanish lessons. (via Canadian Press)

CBC Ottawa: All In A Day – Response to the resignation of the head of Library and Archives (2013-05-16)

[Caron's] sudden resignation has many people asking: what’s next for Library and Archives Canada? James Opp is a historian at Carleton University and the co-director for the school’s Centre for Public History, and he joined us with his thoughts.

Chronicle of Higher Education: The Ticker – Controversial Head of Canada’s National Library Resigns (2013-05-16)

Daniel J. Caron on Wednesday resigned as director of Canada’s national library and archives, surprising critics who said some of his policies had alienated many of the country’s librarians. Mr. Caron oversaw staff downsizing as a result of federal budget cuts, and led a contentious modernization effort that his critics said was ill informed by his training in economics.

Le Devoir – Daniel Caron quitte Bibliothèque et Archives Canada (2013-05-17)

Nommé au poste de bibliothécaire et archiviste du Canada en 2009, Daniel Caron a remis sa démission mercredi. Depuis quelques jours déjà, l’administrateur en chef de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada (BAC) était sur la sellette après que la question de ses frais professionnels eut atterri au Parlement. Dans un communiqué diffusé par le Nouveau Parti démocratique, le critique en matière de patrimoine Pierre Nantel a dénoncé des « dépenses titanesques ».

Global News – Head of Library and Archives resigns after billing taxpayers for Spanish lessons (2013-05-15)

The head of Library and Archives Canada said adios to his job Wednesday. Daniel Caron resigned after billing taxpayers nearly $4,500 for personal Spanish lessons. (via Canadian Press)

iPolitics – Head of LAC Daniel Caron quits (2013-05-15)

Daniel Caron, the head of Library and Archives Canada (LAC), has resigned, iPolitics has learned. In an email Wednesday afternoon, Caron informed LAC he would be leaving the department. Caron’s resignation comes just over one week after he found himself in hot water for spending nearly $4,500 of taxpayers’ money on personal Spanish lessons.

Le Journal de Montreal – Le directeur remercié (2013-05-15)

 Le directeur de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, qui était sur les charbons ardents depuis que l’Agence QMI avait rapporté en primeur qu’il avait fait payer aux contribuables des leçons privées d’espagnol pour des milliers de dollars, a abruptement annoncé son départ.

Library Journal INFODocket – Daniel Caron, Head of Library and Archives Canada Has Resigned (2013-05-16)

Ottawa Citizen – Library head Daniel Caron resigns as $170,000 in expenses found (2013-05-15)

The head of Canada’s National Library and Archives resigned Wednesday, surprising librarians and archivists who say they hope his replacement as the country’s top librarian is a better advocate for the trade.

Ottawa Citizen – Librarian community calls on minister to appoint professional librarian to replace Caron as head of LAC (2013-05-16)

Canada’s librarians and archivists are urging the federal government to appoint someone from their own professional ranks to replace the chief of Library and Archives Canada who quit Wednesday amidst questions about his spending.

Ottawa Citizen – Archivists call for change at roundtable meeting (2013-05-17)

Canada’s archivists, librarians and historians are asking for a say in who becomes the next head of Library and Archives Canada — input they say is crucial to its long-term future and international reputation.

La Presse – Le directeur de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada démissionne (2013-05-15)

Le directeur de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada a annoncé sa démission, mercredi. Daniel Caron quitte son poste après avoir facturé près de 4500 $ aux contribuables pour des cours d’espagnol.

Sun News - In hot water for big spending ways, Canada’s top librarian quits (2013-05-15)

The head of Library and Archives Canada, in hot water with his boss Heritage Minister James Moore after QMI Agency first reported he billed taxpayers thousands of dollars for private Spanish lessons, has abruptly said hasta la vista.

Daniel Caron Leaves Library and Archives Canada

From: Caron, Daniel J.
Sent: May-15-13 4:00 PM
To: _BAC/LAC Regions; _LAC / BAC-NCR-RCN
Subject: Message de Daniel J. Caron

(Bilingual message / Message bilingue)

Je vous informe de ma décision de quitter Bibliothèque et archives Canada en date d’aujourd’hui.  Au cours des quatre dernières années, nous avons fait beaucoup de progrès dans la modernisation de l’institution. Je suis très fier de nos réalisations  et conscient du travail qui reste à faire. Les défis demeurent énormes et passionnants. Je crois qu’il est maintenant temps pour quelqu’un d’autre de prendre la relève et de bâtir les appuis nécessaires pour que l’institution puisse continuer à s’adapter à l’environnement numérique. J’aimerais remercier ceux qui ont largement contribué aux progrès accomplis et vous encourage à poursuivre cette collaboration.

************************

I am informing you of my decision to leave Library and Archives Canada as of today.  Over the last four years, we have made a lot of progress in modernizing our institution. I am very proud of the accomplishments and conscious of the work yet to be done. The challenges remain vast and fascinating. I now believe it is time for someone else to take on and build the necessary support to continue to make the institution increasingly responsive to the digital environment. I would like to thank all of those who have largely contributed to the progress made and encourage you to continue this collaboration

Daniel J. Caron Ph D

Questions from MPs on Issues of Interest to the Library Community

Updated: May 5, 2013

A number of Members of Parliament have submitted Written Questions on issues of interest to the library community:

Q-12532 — March 20, 2013 — Mr. McCallum (Markham—Unionville) — With regard to government expenditures on media monitoring, for every contract entered into since April 1, 2011, what search terms were required to be monitored?

Q-12602 — March 25, 2013 — Mr. Simms (Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor) — With respect to requests made by the government to Library and Archives Canada (LAC): (a) since 2006, what information and services have been requested of LAC in any way, broken down by department or Crown corporation and (i) date of inquiry, (ii) date of response, (iii) purpose of inquiry, (iv) nature of response, (v) relevant programs at LAC used to provide response; (b) for services enumerated in (a) that have been provided by LAC and that are no longer available, what alternatives is the government using or considering to fulfill those needs in their absence, broken down by department or Crown corporation and (i) date of inquiry, (ii) date of response, (iii) purpose of inquiry, (iv) nature of response, (v) service supplier, (vi) total cost; (c) what internal correspondence discussing alternative solutions or service providers exists; and (d) what contracts have been put to tender or signed relating to these alternative solutions or service providers?

Q-13032 — April 15, 2013 — Mr. Toone (Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine) — With regard to the libraries at the Maurice Lamontagne Institute and the St. Andrews Biological Station: (a) what were the operating costs for these two libraries over the last 10 years, broken down by year and library; (b) what were the projected operating costs for these two libraries over the next five years, broken down by year and library; (c) what are the costs, including the actual and projected costs, associated with closing these two libraries, broken down by year and library; (d) what studies show that closing these two libraries will allow the government to save money, and what are the results of these studies; and (e) how is the government planning to replace the French-language services offered by the Maurice Lamontagne Institute library?

Q-13382 — April 29, 2013 — Mr. Nantel (Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher) — With regard to Library and Archives Canada (LAC), since January 1, 2005: (a) what sections and branches currently exist or have existed, broken down by year; (b) how many archivists work or have worked in each section and branch, broken down by year, including and specifying part-time and seasonal employees; (c) how many managers work for each section and department; (d) how many items were acquired; (e) what was the total value of items acquired; (f) how many interlibrary loans were registered; (g) what were the costs for operating interlibrary loans; and (h) how many international trips did the head of LAC take and what were the costs of those trips?

Q-13372 — April 29, 2013 — Mr. Nantel (Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher) — With regard to Library and Archives Canada (LAC), since January 1, 2005, has the Treasury Board provided funding to LAC for the development and testing of a Trusted Digital Repository (TDR) and, if so, (i) how much was provided, (ii) in which fiscal years, (iii) which reports are available to provide details on the success of the TDR’s development and implementation?

Q-13362 — April 29, 2013 — Mr. Nantel (Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher) — With regard to Library and Archives Canada (LAC), since January 1, 2011: (a) what are the details of all the fonds and records held in custody by LAC that have been or are currently being de-accessioned to (i) provincial or territorial archives, (ii) university archives, (iii) regional or local archival institutions or organizations; (b) on what written policy or operational rationale were each of these de-accessions based on; (c) what are the details of all the fonds and records on deposit with LAC that have been or are currently under discussion or negotiation for referral to (i) provincial or territorial archives, (ii) university archives or libraries, (iii) regional or local archival institutions or organizations; and (d) in every case the LAC decided not to acquire archives or records being offered, what written policy or operational rationale was provided to the donor as the basis of this decision?

Q-13602 — May 2, 2013 — Mr. Ravignat (Pontiac) — With regard to government policies on colours used for its websites: (a) when were the most recent policies tabled; (b) were the policies approved by any ministers; (c) what research was used to develop recommended policies; (d) what were the results of this research; (e) was this research contracted out by the government and, if so, to whom; (f) what were the costs for this research and these policies; (g) what was the estimated number of person hours required to implement the changes in colour; and (h) what were the costs required to implement colour changes?

About Written Questions

If a question intended to obtain information from the Ministry involves a lengthy, detailed or technical response, a written question must be placed on the Order Paper. A Member must give 48 hours’ written notice of his or her intention to submit such a question. Each Member may have a maximum of four questions on the Order Paper at any one time. Certain restrictions exist on the form and content of written questions. These are based on the Standing Orders and on practice.

The Member giving notice of a written question may request an answer within 45 days and may also ask that oral answers be provided to no more than three of his or her questions on the Order Paper. Such questions are identified with an asterisk in the Order Paper.

Source: http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/House/compendium/web-content/c_g_questions-e.htm#3

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

LAC Code of Conduct and Question Period

41st PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION

EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 223

Monday, March 18, 2013

(1425)

…

Government Policies

Ms. Joyce Murray (Vancouver Quadra, Lib.):

Mr. Speaker, government scientists are now being warned not to speak with Canadians or the media or other scientists. Librarians and archivists have to watch what they say in public, whether it is in classrooms or conferences, or risk being fired, and it is getting worse. Canadians and the global scientific community are up in arms and demanding that the Information Commissioner take action and investigate.

Obstructing access to research weakens Canada’s democracy. When will the government reverse this dangerous course?

Hon. James Moore (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, that is simply not the case. For example, there is the issue of Library and Archives Canada, for which I am responsible as minister. She should have her critic invite Daniel Caron to come before the parliamentary committee to talk about this. Library and Archives Canada put forward a directive to its own staff, independent of the government. I was not briefed on it. It was its own decision. Library and Archives Canada has a code of conduct with its employees. It does not bar them from being involved or expressing views publicly. They can do so.

If my hon. colleague or the critic on heritage wants to have a more thorough conversation on this outside of 35 seconds, she should feel free to invite Daniel Caron to the committee, who will explain that her question is bunk.

…

(1455)

…

Government Policies

Mr. Andrew Cash (Davenport, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, according to the Conservatives, there is a new threat: librarians and their “high risk” activities, activities like teaching and conferences. That is right. The new code of conduct at Library and Archives Canada even extends beyond the workplace to employees’ personal activities. The code even requires duty of loyalty to the Conservative government.

Now, I have always suspected that facts and science stir fear in the hearts of some members opposite, but why is the minister so afraid of librarians?

Hon. James Moore (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, yes, we are very frightened of librarians. No, what the member is referring to is a code of conduct that was put in place by Daniel Caron, who is the head of Library and Archives Canada. The member should know, as well, that Library and Archives Canada operates at arm’s length. We were not consulted on the code of conduct.

If there are controversies about the code of conduct, and I gather there are because the member for Vancouver Quadra asked this question earlier, I invite my colleague and the heritage critic for the NDP to invite Daniel Caron to come before committee to explain the code of conduct and to dispel any myths that the NDP seems to be spreading.

(1500)

[Translation]

Mr. Pierre Nantel (Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, we certainly have a problem with the archivist Daniel J. Caron. In fact, the code of conduct requires a duty of loyalty to the government. It is not a joke; it is written in black and white.

The Conservatives now want to control the thoughts of honest Canadians. 1984? George Orwell, be gone! I thought the Conservatives were in favour of less government, not more control over people. In the case of the general archivist, it is very clear: we know who is pulling the strings.

What gives our Conservative friends the right to burst into the personal lives of people with this kind of code of conduct?

Hon. James Moore (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, as I have already said twice, and for the third time now, if the hon. member has questions about decisions made by Library and Archives Canada, he should invite Daniel Caron to appear before the committee to answer them.

[English]

I will just repeat it again in English, perhaps for the fourth time. Maybe I will have some luck with connecting on this one.

Library and Archives Canada operates at arm’s length from the government. It does not consult us on its code of conduct. Internally, it has made this decision. If my colleagues have questions about that, they should invite Library and Archives Canada before the parliamentary committee and ask their reasonable questions.

Source: http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Pub=hansard&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=1

Library and Archives Canada Code of Conduct

View this document on Scribd

Selection of Codes of Conduct from Federal Departments and Agencies

Canada Border Services Agency

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Department of Finance

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Industry Canada

Passport Canada

Public Works and Government Services Canada

Treasury Board of Canada, Secretariat

• Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
• FAQs on the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
• Guide for Developing Organizational Codes of Conduct
• Model Organizational Code for Public Sector Organizations

CLA Responds to Article on Library and Archives Canada in The Toronto Star

CLA submitted the following Letter to the Editor of the Toronto Star today, in response to a recent article featuring Library and Archives Canada.

Letter to the Editor

The Toronto Star

In response to the story on Library and Archives Canada (Historical letters not wanted at Library and Archives Canada, critics say), the Canadian Library Association (CLA) is deeply concerned about the significant reductions being made within the institution.  The changes being implemented as part of LAC’s modernization plans (e.g. the sharp reduction in purchased acquisitions), in addition to cuts to services and activities due to their 2012 budget reduction (e.g. ending interlibrary loan services), result in the inability for LAC to meet its mandate.  Public stewardship of Canada’s documentary heritage, ensuring the long-term preservation of materials and facilitating access to them, is central to LAC’s mission.  Decisions such as ending interlibrary loan services are being taken unilaterally, and consultation with stakeholders on how to fill the service gap only happen once the decision has been made.  The future of our national documentary heritage is in jeopardy.  CLA was founded in 1946 and one of our first activities was advocacy for the establishment of a national library; the National Library of Canada was established in 1953.  Sixty years on, we must continue to advocate for a strong national institution that has the capacity, both financial and professional, to meet the mandate set out in its legislation.  Dr Caron does not have to look far for people with the competencies to manage documentary materials in the new digital environment:  they are librarians and archivists.

Pilar Martinez

President, Canadian Library Association

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)

CLA Member Advocacy Survey: The Impact of Federal Budget Cuts on Canada’s Libraries

• Full Report [PDF]

Executive Summary

In the spring of 2012 the federal government announced a series of budget cuts that raised serious concerns within the library community. Library and Archives Canada was subject to a 10% budget reduction, and many federal department libraries were restructured, reduced or closed.

CLA issued a press release in May 2012 expressing serious concern about the impact of budget cuts on federal libraries, and on the staff of those libraries.

In order to determine how these cuts will impact the broader library community, CLA conducted a survey of its members. More than 400 individuals provided detailed responses to the survey questions. They overwhelmingly agreed that the cuts will impact both local and national library services, with 98% of respondents indicating concern. Areas most likely to be affected were identified, and include: access to material/information, research, interlibrary loans, Community Access Program, preservation, staffing cuts, digital issues.

CLA is preparing follow up actions based on these survey results. Specific concerns regarding how cuts are being implemented at Library and Archives Canada will be raised as a series of questions to the Deputy Head and Librarian and Archivist and the Management Board. A campaign will be launched to inform MPs as well as departmental managers of the essential role of government libraries in the development of informed public policy and legislation. Research will be conducted regarding the implementation of the cuts and their impact on library staff, collections, and services to Canadians.

CLA will keep members informed of developments as we take our next steps, and seek further input as necessary. We will engage members in local advocacy initiatives, to reach out to MPs in their ridings and help spread the message about the impact of these cuts.

The CLA Executive Council thanks all members who contributed to the survey. Your input provides valuable details to inform our advocacy efforts.

• Full Report [PDF]