CULC: eContent Working Group -Response to shifting content access priorities and possibilities

The CULC eBook Task Force Working group works on behalf of public libraries to increase awareness of digital content issues and advocate for sustainable solutions. Key priorities of the group include sharing information on what is currently being done in Canada and the US with respect to e-books and e-audiobooks; implementing public awareness campaigns; advocating with politicians; as well as providing opportunities for collaboration across the public library community regarding issues related to digital content. In 2020 the group worked on the CULC COVID-19 Taskforce, launching a title available in English and French for the 2021 One eRead Canada campaign and collaborating with ULC to endorse and support Reader's first eLending study. Find out more about these initiatives and their impact, as well as what is coming next.

Speaker: Lisa Radha Weaver – Director Collection and Program Development, Hamilton Public Library
Speaker: Sharon Day – Director, Branch Services and Collections, Edmonton Public Library
Speaker: Jennifer Stirling – CEO, Mississauga Public Library
Speaker: Rina Hadziev – CEO, The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA)
Speaker: Kay Cahill – Director, Collections & Technology, Vancouver Public Library



Speaker Biographies:
Ann Archer: 25 years experience in collections, public service & management. Manager Content Services, Ottawa Public Library Ann led a business process review, initiated a Canadian collections group to connect and share issues and concerns, and was instrumental in the Express eBook model pioneered at OPL.

Kay Cahill: Director, Collections & Technology, Vancouver Public Library. 25 years working in public libraries in the UK and Canada. Expertise include digital library services, building and leading strong teams, strategic planning and evaluation, leading change, fostering innovation, evaluating and using emerging technologies, facilities development and space planning, project management, physical and digital collection development, digital licensing, and privacy

Rina Hadziev: Over 15 years working in public library leadership. Collections and Technical Services Coordinator at Greater Victoria Public Library, having returned from a year’s leave to serve as Executive Director of CELA, the Centre for Equitable Library Access. Passionate about advocating for improved access to digital content for libraries and their patrons, and leveraging the opportunities for improving accessibility in libraries through combining digital content and innovation with increased awareness of equitable access.

Sharon Day: Over 15 years providing library leadership and support in the provision of public service. Director of Branch Services and Collections at Edmonton Public Library, where she has extensive experience in the oversight and direction for the selection, delivery and circulation of all physical and digital library collections.

Jennifer Stirling: Director, Library - Mississauga Public with extensive experience in library management focused on relationship to the use and adoption of technology and collections in public libraries, and the development of the programs and systems to support increased library technology use.