Removing Barriers Initiative

The BC Electronic Library Network (BC ELN) is a group of libraries across British Columbia and the Yukon that work together to support students, educators, and researchers at post-secondary institutions.

BC ELN helps libraries by:

• Offering discounted prices on electronic resources like databases and ebooks
• Sharing library materials through interlibrary loans across the province
• Providing virtual services like AskAway (where you can chat with a librarian) and WriteAway (for writing support)
• Creating shared services such as Arca, a digital repository for resources

BC ELN is focusing on understanding and addressing the needs of Indigenous students and potential barriers that Indigenous-led post-secondary institutions might face in joining the consortium. BC ELN is working with a team from Two Worlds Consulting (TWC) which is supporting this exploratory work and will ultimately make recommendations for removing barriers.

Listening and Learning Sessions

BC ELN, with support from Two Worlds Consulting (TWC), is organizing meetings in spring 2025 to listen and learn from Indigenous-led post-secondary institutions and organizations that support them.

We want to hear about the goals, needs, and challenges of Indigenous students, educators, and researchers. Our aim is to find ways that BC ELN can collaborate effectively and provide support where it's wanted.

During these sessions, TWC will guide the discussions and help us understand what we learn. They will then share recommendations with the BC ELN Steering Committee based on these conversations and their investigations.

If you have any questions about this initiative or would like to speak more about how BC ELN might help your organization, please contact Leah Hopton: leahh@bceln.ca.

About Two Worlds Consulting

Two Worlds Consulting is a consultancy that is transforming the social and environmental space. We work collaboratively with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, industry, and other levels of government. Founded in 2016, and with a team of diverse professionals, TWC projects support rigorous process, informed decision-making, and shared prosperity. Driven by shared values, and reconciliation, we are committed to quality project outcomes that make a difference for clients and communities. Learn more at: www.twoworldsconsulting.com