Submission by Harriet Sonne de Torrens, Canadian Association of Professional Academic Librarians (CAPAL)

Sonne de Torrens, Harriet

Canadian Association of Professional Academic Librarians (CAPAL)

November 2014

Canada

English

"The one topic, which has not been mentioned in your mandate, is the professional role of librarians and archivists in the future of Canada’s libraries and archives. CAPAL views this as a core requirement for the future, whether it pertains to corporate, public or national libraries. Without professional librarians and archivists, there is no long‐term, sustainable future for Canada’s libraries and archives and no one to lead, direct and ensure that the right decisions are being made according to professional standards, core principles, ethical guidelines and knowledgeable expertise. Outlines challenges that academic librarians are currently confronting in the workplace devaluation and the deprofessionalization of librarians’ roles. More specialized training is needed for new professionals."

Royal Society of Canada’s Expert Panel on The Status and Future of Canada’s Libraries and Archives