[with apologies for cross-posting]

Update on CLA Activities

Halifax 2003 Conference Program Announced
CLA and APLA members and others in the library community have been mailed the brochure announcing the 2003 joint CLA/APLA conference and trade show. The brochure introduces the keynote speakers, Professor Debra Meyerson and Senator Laurier LaPierre, highlights programs contained in each of the streams and describes social events, guided tours, excursions, business meetings and special events. For more details on the programs and activities being held June 19 to 22 visit the CLA website (http://www.cla.ca/conference/cla2002/index.htm).

Special daily and conference rates are being offered to those in Atlantic Canada and to those registering early. The conference 'early bird' rate ends on April 1. All those living in the Maritimes, including CLA and APLA members, can take advantage of a special bulk rate by contacting the APLA Treasurer, Marnie MacGillvray ([log in to unmask]) before April 15, 2002.

Information Rights Week and Library Book Rate
CLA continues its Campaign for Canada's Libraries with Information Rights Week, this year being held in partnership with the Depository Services Program (DSP) April 7 to 13. The theme for 2002, "Canada @ Your Library," highlights the role of libraries in providing access to federal government information. The poster celebrating the week will be mailed to CLA members in early March.

Following its success in ensuring the continuance of the Library Book Rate, CLA is continuing its discussion with Canada Post and the Department of Canadian Heritage on expanding the rate.

Succession Planning/Human Resources Survey
All CLA institutional members soon will be receiving a survey on their current and anticipated human resource needs and the strategies they are developing to cope with workplace changes over the next few years. Everyone is urged to respond as the results of the survey will be used by CLA, employers and employees as they deal with the growing number of retirements of those in the library profession. The survey deadline is March 29, 2002.

CLA/ALA Toronto 2003 Conference
Divisions and interest groups of the American Library Association are seeking Canadian contacts to assist them in preparing programs for the joint Toronto conference being held June 2003. Anyone interested in assisting in the planning of conference programs on preservation and on prisons, are asked to contact Vicki Whitmell, CLA Executive Director, [log in to unmask] A page has been established on the CLA website for ALA units wishing to make contact with CLA divisions, interest groups and committees. Any CLA members with a particular interest who would like to be added to the contact list, may contact Vicki as well.

Audiobooks and GATS
CLA President Margaret Law has written to B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell asking his government to reconsider its elimination of the Audiobooks Programme which provides a significant service to print disabled Canadians across the country (http://www.cla.ca/issues/audiobook.htm). The Association has also written a letter to International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew in its continued efforts to have the government consider the impact on libraries of international trade agreements, such as the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). For the full text of the letters visit the CLA website (http://www.cla.ca/issues/pettigrew_gats.htm)

CLA's GATS Steering Committee has prepared a list of resources on the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The Committee will be developing more documents to assist those in the library community on this important issue over the coming months. (http://www.cla.ca/resources/gats_resources.htm)

Council Considers Referendum Results
At its January meeting Executive Council considered how best to implement the results of the recent membership referendum on the structure of CLA's governing council. A series of bylaw amendments will be presented to the members at the Halifax AGM along with a plan to ensure that divisions continue to have strength, voice, and influence within CLA.

Council will also present a membership fee restructuring plan at the AGM. See the upcoming issue of Feliciter for an outline of the fee recommendations. For a complete summary of the Council meeting visit the CLA website.

New Federal Government Funding Programmes
Visit the CLA members onlyne section of the CLA website for an update on federal government programs offering assistance to library organizations (http://www.cla.ca/members/cla/funding2.htm).

For more information on any of these activities or items, contact Vicki Whitmell, CLA Executive Director, [log in to unmask]

Vicki Whitmell, MLS
Executive Director
Canadian Library Association
328 Frank Street
Ottawa, Ontario Canada
K2P 0X8
Telephone: 613-232-9625 ext. 306
Fax: 613-563-9895
www.cla.ca

Canadian Library Association
328 Frank Street
Ottawa, Ontario
CANADA K2P 0X8
(613) 232-9625; Fax: (613) 563-9895
http://www.cla.ca