FOIPPA Research and Essay Contest

Based on our research examining the experiences of British Columbians making freedom of information requests, Frederic and I submitted an essay to the Access to Government Information Interest Group of the CLA. We applied for the Olga B. Bishop Award for the best paper on government information, but we will not find out who has won the award until the CLA Conference. You can read the paper: Freedom of Information Requests Survey (FIRS): Preliminary Results (PDF).

More students should write on information policy issues. A number of SLAIS students are showing up to BCLA Information Policy Committee (IPC) meetings, and it is a very good way to stay on top of freedom of information, privacy, copyright, and open access issues.

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Photograph: From the Peace Tower at Parliament looking Northwest. Image may be distorted because it was taken through a glass window. The dome in front is the Library of Parliament, which was officially reopened (see the CBC News report). Also, you can see the Museum of Civilization to the left of the photograph.

SLAIS Alumnus Working in Ottawa

What does it take for a SLAIS alumnus to be a successful librarian in Ottawa? I interviewed Susan Goard, my supervising librarian at the Jules Léger Library, where I recently completed my practicum. Susan is a SLAIS alumnus and an amazing Reference Librarian with a portfolio including Legal and Consular Affairs:

1. What does it take to be a successful librarian in Ottawa?

To be a successful librarian in Ottawa takes the same things it takes to be a successful librarian anywhere + bilingualism. Most jobs here require at least working knowledge of both official languages.

2. What is the first thing a librarian should do when starting out as a professional in Ottawa?

The first thing a librarian should do when starting out as a professional in Ottawa is build a network of colleagues. It's a small community and it's good to know the other members of the community. I find for graduates of more local schools have a ready-made network because many of their graduates will end up in Ottawa but it's a little harder when you come from the other end of the country. However, I find librarians everywhere are a friendly bunch and are keen to meet other librarians.

3. What is the best opportunity for networking as a librarian in Ottawa?

There are lots of opportunities for networking in Ottawa. I find it is quite a large library community. Obviously work is a great place to meet people but there also a number of library associations in this city each with its own focus. LANCR is the local multi-purpose association. The University of Toronto and Université de Montréal both offer continuing education courses which is not just a good way to keep current but also a good way meet colleagues.

4. How does a SLAIS alumnus in Ottawa adjust to not seeing the mountains or smelling the ocean?

Squint your eyes very tightly and try to convince yourself that the Gatineau hills are mountains and the Rideau river is the ocean -- and it's not easy to do.

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The photograph above comes from my last trip to Ottawa and it is a sculpted map of Ottawa looking South West. One can see a miniature Parliament in the center.

Poster Presentation on FOIPPA

At the Conference, I will also present a poster on the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). Dr. Martin Dowding (SLAIS) supervised our research. Frederic Murray and I created a web survey to evaluate how British Columbians' felt about making a freedom of information request. The research was conducted on behalf of the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA). Here is a preview of our poster.

By the way, FIPA is offering a special membership to librarians and library students - only $10. With that contribution, FIPA can continue to advance freedom of information and privacy rights. I should point out that I am now a member of FIPA, and Dr. Dowding (among other SLAIS alumni) sit on FIPA's Board of Directors and Board of Advisors. FIPA is a strong organization that offers networking opportunities to SLAIS students.

The poster presentation that I am most looking forward to at the CLA Conference is PIPWatch, a poster on a toolbar that helps people determine if a web site is up to Canadian privacy legislation.

SLAIS Professors' Conference Tips

I asked a few SLAIS Professors for any conference tips, since this will be my first CLA Conference, and here are the tips in no particular order:

1. Attend first timers events.
2. Visit the job postings board. Actually, one of my Professors suggested that I "hang out" around the job postings board with a resume in hand.
3. Wear a name tag that says, "Hire me." Of course, I would like to put, "Looking for a rewarding and challenging opportunity...," but I would probably run out of room!
4. Bring copies of your current resume.

It would seem that the CLA Conference may be one long job interview : )

About SLAIS to CLA

Welcome to the SLAIS Student to CLA Conference! My name is Jeremiah. I have a MLIS from the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies (SLAIS) at the University of British Columbia.

As the SLAIS student representative to the CLA Conference, I will use this blog to keep my colleagues informed about the conference. The conference is from June 14-17, 2006.

I am looking forward to visiting Ottawa again. I recently returned from our nation’s capital after completing my practicum at the Jules Léger Library, which is also known as the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Library.