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January 21, 2000
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Volume 7, Number 9 |
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GENERAL |
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New national librarian travels country to gather info.
Shortly after being appointed National Librarian of Canada last October, noted Quebec author Roch Carrier set off on a 17-day cross-country expedition to learn about the nation’s library community, and to see what role the National Library can play. From Nov. 18-Dec. 3 Carrier travelled from Vancouver to Moncton, via points in-between, including Saskatoon on Nov. 25. As he stopped at the U of S Main Library and at a Faculty Club reception with local library people, Carrier mused on the huge task he faces. He notes the National Library holds 18 million items, and is now growing at the rate of half a million items per year. Beyond that, the Library’s mandate – to build a world-class resource and gateway for Canadians to national and international sources of information – is increasingly difficult in the current climate of exploding amounts and sources of electronic information around the world. Carrier knows the job he faces is a difficult one. "It will be tough, but it will be fun," says the author of La Guerre, Yes Sir!, and other novels and plays now considered Canadian classics. Though it has a $30-million annual budget, Carrier says it is obvious that the National Library can’t fulfil its mandate alone. That’s one reason for his trip – "to build partnerships, because partnerships are the future." He says his visits with people across the country have been "very energizing and fascinating, with so much goodwill." That’s at least in part because Carrier says he is meeting people "without a hidden agenda", so everyone feels comfortable. "We are learning a lot. It’s a wonderful experience." After his trip, Carrier will develop a plan of action for the Library for the coming months and years. The National Library has recently increased its emphasis on building an electronic database, with references to the items held in museums and libraries across the country, and Carrier thinks this linking function is an important role. He says Canada’s repositories of art and information "are not just in Ottawa – there are treasures across the country, in archives, in libraries, etc. We must create ways of linking, and access." Carrier knows the challenge Canadians face living next to the huge United States. "We live next to a bigger country, and if we want to remain as Canadians, with great respect for local values – we have to know our past, if we’re to have a future." The National Library was established in Ottawa in 1953, with the mandate of acquiring, preserving and promoting the published heritage of Canada. It now holds books, manuscripts, personal papers, memorabilia, tapes, records, CDs, and educational kits.
For further information, visit the web site or contact communications@usask.ca
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Next issue of On Campus News: Friday, February 4
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