Attending the LIANZA 2023 Conference is a tremendous honour. As a keynote speaker at the 2023 conference, I am looking forward to engaging with this vibrant community and exploring the hot issues that are shaping our domain. It is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the world, all of whom share the same passion for libraries and information services. The diverse programme at LIANZA 2023 offers a platform to learn from local and international experts, attend workshops, exchange ideas, and foster meaningful collaborations.
Global issues for the profession
Our profession faces numerous challenges, and it is crucial for all of us to engage actively with these issues. Libraries have always served as sources of knowledge and information, and this remains true despite the present-day, technologically dependent environment. Furthermore, we possess a certain degree of authority and impartiality that we should recognise, embrace and use. It is essential for us to address the concerns of our users, which can include subjects as varied as digital transformation, information privacy and security, intellectual freedom, and access to information. By participating in events such as LIANZA 2023, professionals can contribute their unique perspectives, learn from best practices that define industry standards, and collectively help to shape the future of our profession.
My keynote address at LIANZA 2023
During my keynote address, entitled ‘Connecting with the past, serving the present, engaging with the future,’ I will touch on the different ways that we have been “putting the user first” at Library and Archives Canada (LAC). Over the past few years, we have undertaken multi-faceted efforts to ensure that our collections are increasingly open and accessible for all users, both today and tomorrow. Our institution is going through a great transformation, with the implementation of our Vision 2030 strategic plan, service and IT infrastructure changes, and the reorganization of our structure to support achieving LAC’s mandate—all the while with a focus on people and access.
Implicit in all our endeavours is our commitment to collaborate with underserved communities, particularly First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation partners, and to implement strategies to provide greater, sustainable access and discoverability to the collections in our care. Reconciliation with these entities has been a priority for our organisation, and we have worked hard to build fruitful partnerships with them.
Some words of encouragement
Dear colleagues from New Zealand attending LIANZA 2023, I hope that my address will fill you with a sense of hope and excitement for what we can achieve together.
I look forward to meeting all of you!
Find out more about the LIANZA 2023 Conference here.
