BC ELN All Partner Meeting 2023: Building Future-ready Libraries

On December 1st, directors and delegates from BC ELN partner libraries convened in Vancouver for the annual BC ELN All Partner Meeting, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. This full day event brings together leaders from post-secondary libraries and our Ministry representative to delve into topics that affect the BC ELN community.

A highlight of this year’s gathering was a presentation by Rachel Chong, Indigenous Engagement and Subject Liaison Librarian at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). Rachel addressed the theme of Indigenization in Academic Libraries, anchoring her presentation in ecosystems that support this important work. These ecosystems include the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and locally for KPU, the strategic plans of both the institution and the library. Rachel shared insights from her experiences in crafting the Indigenous Information Literacy Pressbook and establishing the χʷəχʷéy̓əm Indigenous Collection at KPU Library. Emphasizing the significance of relationships and Indigenous perspectives that shaped the work, Rachel also highlighted the deep connections to place inherent in the χʷəχʷéy̓əm Indigenous collection. Those interested are encouraged to peruse Rachel Chong’s presentation slides, which offer glimpses into the χʷəχʷéy̓əm space and provide access to additional resources.

In recognition of the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in various facets of our professional and personal lives, a dedicated discussion on AI was incorporated into the agenda. Participants explored institutional approaches to AI, and grappled with challenges posed by the technology, such as its impact on privacy and copyright. The meeting also featured an update from our Ministry representative, Ben Ferrel, and reports on BC ELN’s strategic framework and services by BC ELN office staff. The day concluded with an engaging "Birds of a Feather" session, where attendees self-selected topics of interest to engage in meaningful discussions with their colleagues.

The collaborative spirit and insightful discussions held on Indigenization, Artificial Intelligence, and strategic initiatives underscore BC ELN partner libraries’ commitment to addressing current issues and shaping the future of post-secondary libraries in BC.